Strike action by bus drivers across Brighton has been called off after a pay deal was agreed between workers and the bus company.
Brighton and Hove Buses drivers had been considering strike action which would see public transport on the city’s roads grind to a halt over “low pay and terrible conditions”.
The proposed walkout has now been shelved after workers secured a ten per cent pay rise.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Congratulations to our Brighton and Hove 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.”
Bus drivers, cleaners and storekeepers will receive the ten per cent rise which will be backdated to July.
Unite says that Brighton and Hove Buses originally offered a seven per cent increase with a further increase later in the year and a reduction in overtime rates, but this was rejected.
The company, owned by the Go-Ahead group, put forward a ten per cent pay rise in August which would put some drivers on £38,500 per year.
The ballot for industrial action was due to close today.
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Brighton and Hove Buses were approached for comment.
The deal will also affect Metrobus staff in Crawley who have also accepted the deal.
The strikes would have been the first of their kind after previous action in 2008 and 2016 was also called off.
Unite regional officer Janet Nobbs added: “This excellent pay deal came about through the hard work and determination of our reps and members at Brighton and Hove and Metrobus.
“I encourage anyone who wants better wages and working conditions to join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”
Unite said Brighton and Hove Buses carries the most passengers in the UK outside London.
The company covers an area from Tunbridge Wells in the east to Shoreham and Lancing to the west. Metrobus, which is part of the Go-Ahead group, covers Crawley and Gatwick Airport.
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