Arriva Kent bus workers in pay win

The long running Arriva Kent bus dispute has ended after bus drivers accepted an improved pay offer.

The 480 plus drivers who are members of Unite recorded a 59 per cent vote in favour of accepting the company’s latest offer of a 13.92 per cent pay increase, which is fully backdated to 23 April 2022.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates what can be achieved by workers sticking together and acting in unity.

“This pay victory at Arriva Kent is a further example of how Unite’s complete focus on enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is paying financial dividends for workers.”

During the dispute, which began in early September, the bus drivers took six days of industrial action.

Unite regional officer Janet Nobbs added, “This is a great achievement and I would like to thank the Unite stewards who have worked extremely hard to achieve an offer our members accepted – they have stood strong throughout.

“This pay increase is the first step in tackling the pay erosion that bus drivers have experienced for many years and Unite will look on building on this victory in future wage negotiations.”

By Barckley Sumner