London bus drivers accept pay rise up to 18% after long-running series of strikes

A long running dispute involving more than 1,800 bus drivers in London has ended after the workers accepted a “greatly improved” pay offer. Members of Unite employed by Abellio have staged a series of strikes in recent months. They have accepted a pay increase that Unite said will see drivers with over two years’ service being paid £18-an-hour, equating to a pay increase of 18% on the basic rate. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase. “Unite’s constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers.”

A spokesperson from Abellio London said: “We are delighted that our drivers have now accepted the substantial pay rise we put in place in early January. “This will see an increase in pay for all of our drivers, with a base rate rise of as much as 18% for some grades, equating to around £100 per week increase. “We are proud that this makes us one of the highest paying operators in London with a new starter salary of c£32,000 moving to c£40,000 after two years’ service. “It was disappointing that strikes unnecessarily continued into February despite this fantastic offer being made at the beginning of the year. “It brings to an end a difficult period of industrial action which has been tough for the company, our drivers and our customers. “With the issue now settled we look forward to continuing to offer Londoners outstanding service on our routes while making innovations on sustainable public transport.”

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