A strike due to take place at Arriva in Liverpool on Tuesday, December 12, was called off, the Liverpool Echo reported.
The strike was cancelled to allow drivers to vote on a new pay deal, though additional strikes were still planned for December 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 and 23 as CBW went to press, and were expected to continue if the new pay deal is not accepted.
Arriva North West drivers have already held nine days of strikes over pay.
Talks were held on Wednesday, December 6, between Arriva and the Unite and GMB unions, but negotiators ran out of time and had to meet again on December 8. That night, the union confirmed that the company had made a new pay offer.
A ballot took place at depots on December 11 and 12, meaning the strike on December 12 was suspended to allow it to take place. The unions are giving members a free vote, with no recommendation.
A post on the official Arriva NW Industrial Action 2017 Facebook page stated that Arriva has put forward an offer which would see drivers’ pay in Merseyside and Runcorn rise to £12.10 per hour this year and £12.42 next year.
Phil Stone, MD for Arriva North West, said: “Arriva North West has today tabled a new two year pay agreement with the unions, which the unions will now take to a ballot next Monday and Tuesday.
“We are pleased that the unions have agreed to cancel strike action on Tuesday 12 December.
“We believe our latest offer guaranteeing a two year pay rise represents a fair and decent deal for our drivers and hope the pay offer is accepted by our staff and we can return to delivering the best possible service to our passengers and the local economy.”
