The Arriva bus strikes will be suspended after a landmark agreement was reached between the company and unions representing drivers.
Arriva has today confirmed that after 29 days of strikes, all parties have come to an agreement. The major operator described the pay deal as 'unprecedented.'
The agreement means that Arriva buses will be back on the roads of Merseyside from 3am tomorrow (Thursday). The agreement comes after fresh talks were held today between the company and the Unite and GMB unions.
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A statement from Arriva North West said: "Arriva North West is today able to confirm that following ongoing discussions in recent weeks, all parties have come to an agreement on an unprecedented pay deal for Arriva North West drivers. Following a meeting today, in which the agreement was reached, Unions will now take this recommended offer to our colleagues.
"Furthermore, it has also been agreed that industrial action across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside will be suspended from 3am on Thursday 18 August and all parties will now work together to progress the pay offer
"Arriva would like to thank our customers across the North West region, for your continued patience in recent weeks, during the extremely challenging Strike period. Timetable and Journey information, for Arriva North West services returning on Thursday August 18 can be found online at arrivabus.co.uk and via the Arriva journey planning."
The agreement comes shortly after a previous pay offer was roundly rejected by Arriva drivers in a vote yesterday. According to the Unite union, the new offer constitutes an 11.1% pay increase.
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Following our members’ very strong rejection of the company’s offer yesterday evening, Arriva have seen sense and met the demands of our members by tabling an 11.1 per cent pay deal. Unite’s negotiating team is recommending the offer be accepted and it is being put to members in a vote.
“The strike is suspended pending the outcome of the ballot and drivers are to return to work tomorrow to serve the needs of the community and public. The determination and resolve of our members has been solid throughout the industrial action and we thank those who have provided support and assistance to secure the offer from the company.”
George Patterson, GMB Organiser, said: “After weeks of unnecessary industrial action, Arriva bosses have finally come back with an offer that meets GMB members expectations.
“Industrial action will now be suspended while members vote on this new deal. If they accept, the strike will be officially over.”
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