EMPLOYEES of the region’s largest bus operator have called off strikes after reaching a new pay deal with bosses.
Drivers, engineers, administrative workers and cleaners working for Stagecoach West Scotland had threatened to take strike action at the end of this month unless a “significant shift” was seen in the group’s pay offers.
This week the Unite union, which represents Stagecoach staff, announced it has now reached an agreement with the operator.
On Monday, a ballot was held and 400 Unite members voted to accept a new pay offer.
A spokesman for Unite Scotland said the union will not be disclosing the details of the offer.
Fiona Doherty, managing director for Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “We’re very proud of our team, who do a fantastic job in delivering vital transport connections for our communities.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our local trade union representatives that represents a good deal for our employees in West Scotland, and at the same time will help to secure the long-term sustainability of the local bus network.”
Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite members in Stagecoach West Scotland have accepted a significantly improved pay offer.
“We’re satisfied that our members have got a fair and decent pay deal which is what we aspired to all along without the need for strike action.
“It shouldn’t have taken several pay offers to get to this point but this now brings the dispute to a close. The message is clear for workers in the bus industry. You can succeed in improving your terms and conditions at work, and you can get a fair pay rise from your employer by joining Unite.”
