The long running industrial dispute involving over 1,800 bus drivers employed by Abellio in London has ended after workers accepted an improved pay offer. Following a ballot by union Unite, drivers accepted a pay increase that will see those with over two years’ service being paid £18 an hour, which equates to a pay increase of 18% on their basic rate.
The agreement also includes increases to all rates including overtime and rest day working. Negotiations over the last few weeks also saw an increase to the rate for new starters and increased rates for Saturday and Sunday working. The union has also said that it has negotiated the £18 per hour for drivers who transferred to Abellio under TUPE legislation and had not previously been made the offer.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase. Unite’s constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers.” A commitment to immediately negotiate a new scheduling agreement was also secured, including regarding scheduling rest breaks and start times in order to bring the dispute to an end.
