Strikes set to affect the majority of bus services in Salford this week have been halted, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed.
Unite the Union industrial action was planned to begin on Tuesday, September 29, with three Bee Network bus operators – First, Stagecoach and Metroline – set to walk out until Thursday, October 2 in an ongoing dispute over pay.
However, staff from First and Stagecoach are now set to ballot on a revised offer. It is hoped that staff at Metroline will agree on the same approach today, meaning all buses across Greater Manchester would run as normal this week.
The details of the new offer have not yet been revealed.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, described the suspension of strikes as ‘positive progress’, whilst urging Metroline to do the same to avert strike action throughout the week.
He said: “We support the aims of the unions – bus drivers deserve a better deal, but it has to be delivered in a way that’s affordable and sustainable for the Bee Network.”
Last weekend, 2,000 drivers took action across Greater Manchester from Friday, September 19 until Monday, September 22, impacting two-thirds of services across the region.
Further strikes were scheduled on Friday, September 26, with services on October 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 set to be affected. It is unclear at this stage whether or not these strikes will take place.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, continues to encourage travellers to check the latest status of their service before they travel this week.
He 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, averting any industrial taking place this week.”
Latest updates and service information will be available on the Bee Network’s website and social media pages.
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