STRIKE action by Stagecoach drivers in the Highlands and Islands has been averted after a new pay deal was secured.
Unite the union said it delivered a double digit pay deal for around 200 drivers.
In October, the union had revealed that bus drivers overwhelmingly backed strike action to ensure an enhanced pay offer from Stagecoach Highlands.
The company, which is based in Inverness, provides bus services in Skye, Orkney and Inverness as well as other areas.
In the first year of the deal running from July 2024, drivers will receive a basic pay rise of around 7.5%.
This pay package will then be further boosted by overtime rates rising by up to 5%, which for some drivers based on hours will mean a double digit pay rise.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully negotiated a pay deal at Stagecoach Highlands.
“Our members stood firm, and they were prepared to take strike action to get a better deal.
“Unite is once again, driving up jobs, pay and conditions across the bus industry in Scotland.”
The driver hourly rate will increase by a minimum of 2% to the rate of inflation in July 2025 while overtime rates will also rise from £16.50 to £17.50 in the second year of the deal.
Overtime rates will rise from £16.50 to £17.50 in the second year of the deal, which also ensures the minimum hourly rate will amount to the real living wage plus an additional 3%.
The minimum hourly rate will increase from the current £12.98 to £14.28 in July 2025 – the equivalent to a rise of more than 10%.
Unite industrial officer Marc Jackson commented: “Through negotiations and our mandate for industrial action, we have shifted the company significantly from its original offer.
“Strike action has been avoided but this pay dispute should send a warning to the company that in future they can’t take their workers for granted and they must be properly valued.”
