Bus staff call off strike after pay offer accepted

FIRST Bus Glasgow workers will no longer go on strike after employees accepted an improved pay officer.

Dozens of staff members, including bus cleaners and shunters, voted by 89 per cent to accept the offer in a ballot turnout of 92 per cent. Two periods of 48-hour strike action which were due to begin today and May 5, 18, and 19 are now off.

The deal ensures a “significant” pay increase along with improvements to sickness pay which will increase by up to 50 per cent.

Unite the union had previously criticised First Glasgow for offering an “insulting” pay offer which would have brought some workers up to £9.48 per hour backdated to August 2021 to April 2022 – two pence below the current adult national minimum wage – when the true cost of living stands at a 30 year high of nine per cent.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Unite has delivered for our members in First Glasgow.

“These workers took a stand against poverty wages, and they won. Their pay and sickness entitlements have now significantly improved. Once again, it highlights the benefits of being a member of

Unite in the fight for better jobs, terms, and conditions in the bus industry.”

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, added: “The deal was overwhelmingly accepted by our members meaning that the strikes are now off.

“The cleaners and shunters will now receive pay and benefits in line with their fellow workers at First Glasgow including sickness pay which will increase by up to 50 per cent. It’s a deal we are pleased to get over the line.”

In December 2021, more than 1300 First Glasgow bus drivers received inflationbusting pay rises of up to 21.5 per cent over two years depending on the length of service.