PLANNED strike action by bus drivers across the region has been suspended pending further talks.
Dozens of Unite union members within Stagecoach were set to walk out on Friday for seven days over a three week period after rejecting an offer for a four per cent pay increase.
On Monday it was revealed that Stagecoach had cancelled all drivers’ annual leave during the strikes in order to provide ‘dependable services to customers’. In response, Unite described the cancellation of holidays as a ‘significant escalation’, and planned to seek a legal order banning the move.
Now with industrial action suspended both parties are to return to the negotiating table.
Dougie Maguire, Unite regional coordinator, said: “Unite can confirm that the forthcoming strike action involving over 500 drivers at Stagecoach West Scotland is suspended.
“Following our threat to seek an interim interdict against the company on the grounds of preventing discrimination against our members for trade union activities, the company has now withdrawn their threat of cancelling the drivers’ annual leave entitlement.
“Unite remains utterly focused on getting our members a fairer pay offer from Stagecoach West Scotland, and we are always ready to negotiate a resolution to the pay dispute on this basis.”
Stagecoach have also confirmed that its full timetable will be operating on Friday and next Tuesday and a spokesperson added: “Following the suspension of all notified strike dates by Unite, we can confirm that our network of services will continue to operate to their full timetable, including on Friday May 2 and Tuesday May 6.
“We welcome Unite’s commitment to return to talks, and we remain dedicated to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland.”
