A planned bus strike involving 500 Stagecoach drivers across Merseyside and Lancashire has been suspended following an improved pay offer from the company. The industrial action, which was set to cause significant disruption in Wirral, Chorley, and Preston, will not go ahead while union members consider the new proposal.
Key Takeaways
- Planned strikes by 500 Stagecoach drivers from September 29 to October 5 and October 13 to October 19 are now suspended.
- The suspension comes after Stagecoach presented an improved pay offer to the trade union Unite.
- Unite will now conduct a ballot for its members at the Chorley and Preston depots to vote on the new terms.
- Bus services in Birkenhead, Chorley, and Preston are expected to operate as normal during the previously scheduled strike periods.
New Pay Offer Halts Industrial Action
Commuters in Wirral and parts of Lancashire can expect normal bus services after planned industrial action was called off. The strikes, which would have involved 500 Stagecoach drivers, were scheduled to take place over two separate week-long periods.
The first period of action was set for Monday, September 29, to Sunday, October 5. A second week of strikes was planned from Monday, October 13, to Sunday, October 19. Both have now been suspended.
The decision to halt the action was made after negotiations between Stagecoach and the trade union Unite resulted in a revised pay proposal. The union will now take this offer to its members for a vote.
Union and Company Respond to Development
Both Stagecoach and Unite have confirmed the suspension of the strike. The focus has now shifted to the balloting process, which will determine if the new offer is formally accepted.
Unite regional officer Michael Woods confirmed the union's position. He stated, "Following an improved offer from Stagecoach, Unite has suspended strikes in order to ballot our members."
Next Steps
According to Stagecoach, drivers based at the Birkenhead depot have already accepted their revised pay offer. The upcoming ballot will specifically involve Unite members at the Preston and Chorley depots, who will now vote on the terms presented to them.
Stagecoach expressed relief that the disruptive industrial action has been averted for now. The company is hopeful that a final agreement can be reached.
"We are pleased that industrial action planned for Monday September 29 to Sunday October 5 and Monday 13 to Sunday October 19 has been called off following positive talks today between Stagecoach and Unite."
Tramalloni added, "Members of Unite at Preston/Chorley will now be given the opportunity to vote on a revised pay proposal. We will continue to work constructively to reach a resolution and share further details as soon as they are available.”
Background of the Pay Dispute
The core of the dispute centred on pay disparities between Stagecoach drivers and those working for rival operators in the same area. Unite had previously highlighted significant differences in hourly wages.
According to the union, drivers for competitor Arriva based in Birkenhead earn £2.69 more per hour than their Stagecoach counterparts operating from the same town.
The union also pointed out that Arriva's Birkenhead drivers earn £2.13 more per hour than Stagecoach drivers in Chorley and Preston, illustrating a regional pay gap that the union sought to address.
Previous Offers Rejected
Before the new proposal, Stagecoach had put forward offers that were rejected by the union. For the Birkenhead depot, this included a rise of over 4% in the first year and 2.9% in a shortened second year. For Preston and Chorley, a two-year deal of 3.2% each year was rejected.
Union's Stance on Fair Pay
During the initial ballot for strike action, Unite's leadership was firm in its position that Stagecoach could afford a more equitable pay structure. The union argued that the company was responsible for any potential disruption.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham had previously stated, “Stagecoach can absolutely afford to table an offer that tackles the unfair disparities within the region. Stagecoach drivers at Birkenhead, Chorley and Preston will receive Unite’s full support in taking strike action until that happens.”
This strong stance likely contributed to the renewed negotiations that led to the improved offer now being considered by union members.
Impact on Local Bus Services
With the strikes suspended, passengers who rely on Stagecoach services from the Birkenhead, Chorley, and Preston depots will not face the anticipated disruption. All routes are expected to run as scheduled.
It is important to note that the industrial dispute did not affect all Stagecoach services in the region. The company had confirmed that services operating from the Gillmoss depot in Liverpool were not part of the dispute and would have continued to run normally regardless.
The outcome of the ballot for Preston and Chorley drivers will be crucial in determining a permanent resolution. If the offer is accepted, it will formally end the dispute. If rejected, the possibility of future industrial action could re-emerge.