A strike by Norfolk Green bus drivers was suspended at the 11th hour following a fresh pay offer from the Stagecoach-owned operator, the Lynn News has reported.
As reported last issue, members of the RMT Union were due to stage a walk-out and form picket lines outside the main depot on Tuesday, November 24, but discussions between union officials and company management resulted in a fresh pay offer.
The RMT’s executive committee agreed to suspend the strike action for a referendum over the new offer.
Regional organiser for the RMT, Steve Smart, said: “We welcome the offer from the company because it is in line with members’ proposals.
“We want to negotiate a settlement, we didn’t want members going on strike.
“It is now our members’ decision on whether to accept the offer or not.”
The new offer proposes to introduce an attendance allowance straight away into drivers pay packets rather than over a three-year period.
A 2% payrise will be given in the second year and this will be followed in the third year by a 2.2% increase.
Weekend payment rates will be retained.
Andy Campbell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, welcomed the decision. He said: “We are pleased for our customers that the planned strike action has been suspended and we hope we are a step closer to reaching an agreement with the union.”
