Bus operator strike action suspended

Most Greater Manchester bus services will operate as normal this week, as unions have called off three days of strike action that had been planned to start Tuesday 30th September.

Pay disputes between staff at three Bee Network bus operators – First, Metroline and Stagecoach – had been set to strike, affecting two-thirds of bus services across Greater Manchester, including the majority of those in Stockport.

Unite the Union has today confirmed that strikes will be suspended whilst it ballots members at First and Stagecoach on a revised offer. It is hoped staff at Metroline will agree the same approach today (Monday 29th September), meaning all buses across Greater Manchester would run as normal this week.

It follows intensive work across the weekend, with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Mayor of Greater Manchester doing everything in their power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution.

Ahead of a decision on Metroline services, passengers are still being encouraged to check before travelling, with all the latest updates to be available on the Bee Network website.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:

“We’ve been working throughout the weekend, doing everything in our power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution.

“This is positive progress and we’re pleased that union colleagues have now agreed to suspend strike action to ballot their members. We encourage staff at Metroline to do the same, in turn averting any strike action taking place this week.

“I have been clear that we support the aims of the unions – bus drivers deserve a better deal. But it has to be delivered in way that’s affordable and sustainable for the Bee Network. We’re hopeful that agreements can be reached between operators and unions to conclude the pay negotiations.”

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

“We are pleased that planned industrial action has been suspended by First and Stagecoach staff, and that their services will run as normal. We’re hopeful that the same approach will be agreed with staff at Metroline tomorrow, averting any industrial taking place this week.

“Any updates about bus services will be available on the Bee Network website and social media channels. We’re still encouraging everyone to check the latest status of their service before they travel this week, leave plenty of time for their journey and to get in touch if they have any questions.”