Bus drivers end three months of strike action

Doncaster bus drivers have voted to go back to work after three months of strike days during a pay dispute.

First Bus confirmed that drivers in Doncaster had overwhelmingly accepted its pay offer, ending industrial action at the depot after lengthy negotiations involving the Unite union and mediators Acas.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is another brilliant win for Unite members, who stood firm together." Members had walked out over equal pay with colleagues working in Sheffield.

Managing director of First Bus Franchising, Zoe Hands, said: "We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted. This agreement... enables us to move forward together."

The industrial action involved more than 230 drivers based at the Leger Way depot who decided to strike following the rejection of a revised pay offer earlier this year.

The new pay deal puts Doncaster bus drivers on an equal pay scale with drivers working in Sheffield.

Top rate drivers will get a pay rise from £14.15 an hour to £16.10 from the end of August and improved conditions, including sick pay from day one of any illness.

First Bus has also committed to pay Doncaster drivers bonuses and the same percentage pay increases offered to Sheffield drivers by 5 April next year.

Unite regional officer Christian Ratcliffe said: "Our members at First South Yorkshire overwhelmingly voted to accept this good pay deal, which was hard won."

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