Bee Network bus operator strikes called off

Most Bee Network bus services in Greater Manchester will run as normal this weekend, as unions have called off strikes that had been planned to take place on 10th, 11th and 13th October.

Staff at Bee Network bus operators running the majority of services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and South Manchester (Metroline and Stagecoach) were due to take industrial action amid an ongoing pay dispute between drivers and their respective employers.

Unite the Union has now announced that the strikes will be suspended as it ballots drivers on a new pay offer from the operators.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:

“Bus drivers are critical to the success of the Bee Network and we value what they do to keep Greater Manchester moving.

“We’ve been working hard to get to this point and are pleased Unite has called off this weekend’s strikes. We are hopeful that an agreement between operators and the union can be reached quickly to avoid further action.

“It’s important that both our passengers and the people who work on the Bee Network benefit from local control of public transport. We’re confident that, with the changes we’ve already made and more we’ve got planned, we’re making Greater Manchester one of the best places in the country to be a bus driver.”

Given the decision to suspend strikes was made the evening before action was scheduled to take place, there may still be some disruption to services. Passengers are therefore still being encouraged to check before travelling, with all the latest updates to be available on the Bee Network website and app.

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said:

“This positive announcement means that the 190 bus routes we expected to be disrupted should now run as normal. Given the timing of the decision, there may still be limited disruption on some bus services across Greater Manchester this weekend.

“We’re therefore still advising people to plan ahead and check the latest status of their service before they travel. We suggest people leave plenty of time for their journey and get in touch with us if they have any questions.”

Whilst bus operators and unions negotiate pay, TfGM has been driving forward a range of improvements only possible due to local control of buses as part of the Bee Network. The approach has bucked the national trend and reversed the decline in passenger numbers and services – safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.

TfGM has also launched the Licence for Greater Manchester to foster career progression for drivers; ensured all operators are members of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter; introduced a largely new bus fleet; and invested in bus depots and staff toilet facilities. A first-of-a-kind Bee Network pension scheme for all operator staff is also in the works.