National Express West Mids pay win
Strikes by over 3,100 drivers end after vote to accept 16.2% pay rise at National Express West Midlands
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West Midlands bus strikes have ended after a ballot of more 3,100 National Express drivers resulted in an improved offer being accepted, Unite announced on Saturday (March 25).
The offer includes a one-year 16.2 per cent pay increase and improvements to the drivers’ accident pay and hourly rates for working over the Christmas holidays.
National Express has also guaranteed to implement new terms and conditions that were agreed with Unite in November last year, a key sticking point in the dispute.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is an important win for Unite members. By standing together our members at National Express secured an above inflation pay offer.
“Unite will leave no stone unturned to defend workers’ pay. This is yet another example of how Unite’s relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions results in real ‘money in the pockets’ of our members.”
More than 200 National Express engineers voted last week to accept a separate pay deal. Unite also ensured that around 250 admin staff will also benefit from this deal.
Unite lead national officer Onay Kasab added, “We congratulate every one of our members for making this stand and winning. Unite will continue to work, through our Bus Combine, to win double digit pay increases for our members.”
By Ryan Fletcher
