'Welcome step in right direction'

Planned strike action scheduled for next week by bus drivers employed by Ribble Motor Services Ltd (part of the multimillion pound Stagecoach group) based at the Preston and Chorley bus depots has been suspended following an improved pay offer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite’s members have shown that by standing together in unity management has been obliged to make an improved pay offer.

“Stagecoach must understand that we remain utterly determined to secure proper and lasting improvements to the pay and conditions of our members,” she added.

The first strike, which would have disrupted services across South Lancashire, was scheduled for three days beginning on Thursday, October 14.

Following fresh pay talks yesterday (October 7) a new improved pay offer was made by management. Unite is now in the process of balloting its members on the offer.

Unite regional officer Alison Spencer-Scragg said, “This offer is a welcome step in the right direction. Unite’s members will now decide if it meets their aspirations.”

If Unite’s members reject the offer the second scheduled strike, which lasts for 48 hours and begins on Friday, October 22, will go ahead.

By Barckley Sumner