First Manchester and GMAT bus strikes off after Unite pay victories

Photo: Journeaux

First buses at Rochdale Interchange

Greater Manchester bus strikes by members of Unite employed at First Manchester and Greater Manchester Accessible Transport (GMAT) have been called off following the acceptance of improved pay deals.

It means bus drivers at First Manchester in Oldham will receive a pay increase to £15.50 per hour from 3 September, a lump sum payment of £1,100 (in lieu of backpay from April) and a further rise to £16.00 per hour from January, with no strings attached.

The deal also includes improved pay for Bank Holiday working, having increased to £20 per hour.

Overall, this represents an 18.5% increase in pay over the period, more than double the latest rate of inflation at 7.9%.

GMAT drivers balloted in favour of a 10% increase backdated to April, a £350 one off payment for all staff and an extra day's holiday per year.

GMAT has also committed to signing up to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. This will improve terms and conditions, including improvements to sick pay, flexible working and maternity leave.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Congratulations to our First Oldham and GMAT members who achieved substantial victories by standing together in their union and refusing to back down. These results are further proof that Unite’s total concentration on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.”

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “These excellent pay deals came about through the hard work and determination of our reps and members at First and GMAT. I encourage anyone who wants better wages and working conditions to join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”

Rob Hughes, Operations Director of First Manchester, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Unite and acceptance of a generous offer which makes our drivers some of the best-paid in Greater Manchester together with additional employment benefits.

“This ends any further damaging strike action and the severe disruption this has caused to the daily lives of our customers who rely on the bus to get to work, education and for appointments.”

He added: “The whole team can now focus on continuing to deliver an excellent service throughout the communities we serve.”