Bus strike called off

Ally McGilvray • Published 16 Jun 2010 15:02 0 Comments

BUS drivers in the Borders have called off their planned strike this weekend, it has been announced. It follows talks between the bus company and union officials.

Earlier this month, services were disrupted when around 80 First Bus staff walked out in a dispute over pay. And further strikes were set to follow on Friday, June 18, and Monday, June 21.

However, at a meeting earlier today (Wednesday), First and UNITE enjoyed further positive discussions and agreed that full negotiations will now take place over the next few weeks.

Sandy Smart, Unite Regional Industrial Organiser, said: "Our union members have been briefed on the outcome of the discussions between their union and the company. They have agreed to suspend strike action to allow further negotiations to take place."

And he added: "We are hoping that, in a few weeks' time, these negotiations will lead to an offer that our members may find acceptable thus leading to a resolution of this trades dispute."

The bus company previously revealed it had offered drivers in the Borders a 2.5% wage increase this year with a further 2.5% each year for the next two years - which would increase their hourly wage to £8.71 and make them the highest paid bus drivers in the Borders.

However, drivers claimed their hourly pay rates were less than their counterparts in the central belt.

Paul Thomas, Managing Director of First in Scotland East, said: "Significant progress has been made today with positive and productive discussions.

"We are very pleased the union has recognised this and called off the strike action planned for next week as well as the overtime ban and work to rule.

"I'm sure this will be welcomed by the thousands of passengers who would have been affected."

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