Bus drivers in Swindon agree new pay deal preventing strike action

Swindon bus passengers will not have to contend with driver strikes as their union has secured a new pay deal.

Stagecoach bus drivers in Swindon had voted to take industrial action over an ongoing dispute with their employers.

Sources told the Adver that these strikes were initially planned for the weekend of the Royal International Air Tattoo, something that Stagecoach itself denied was ever the case.

But local drivers are now celebrating a pay deal worth more than 17 per cent secured by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The workers voted to accept the deal, which will see a pay increase of more than 11 per cent in the first year and by a total of six per cent in the second year.

The deal also includes the introduction of an overtime rate and improvements to sick pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “When workers stand together in Unite they win, as this excellent deal proves.

"Unite is totally committed to improving workers’ jobs, pay and conditions. It is a commitment that keeps on delivering money into our members’ pockets.”

Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: “Well done to our reps and members. Without their hard work and solidarity, this deal would not have been achieved.

"This result is another reminder to those who want better wages and working conditions that Unite is the union for them.”