National Express West Midlands bus strike ends as drivers accept new pay deal

The bus strike, which has affected thousands of people across the region, has come to an end as National Express West Midlands drivers accepted a new pay deal on Saturday (25 March).

Sunday services will resume on a reduced timetable while full scale services will be back to normal on Monday.

The bus strike began on Monday 20 March and resulted in 3,100 drivers walking out over pay and conditions. The dispute has come to an end after six days of industrial action which saw major disruption across the West Midlands.

A spokesperson for National Express, said: “We are pleased to confirm that the bus strike has been called off following a positive driver ballot outcome.

“We are very sorry to our customers and the communities we serve for the disruption and uncertainty this has caused over the last week.

“We will deliver a reduced service today and we’re aiming for a normal service from Monday.”

Bus drivers voted to accept the new 16.2% pay offer after a 48-hour ballot which saw over 3,000 members voting in favour of the pay offer. The Unite union members had previously declined an offer of a 14.3% increase.

The new deal, which has been hailed as a “victory” by Unite, also includes improvements to drivers’ accident pay.

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.”