More than 1,800 bus drivers in London have ended a long-running dispute after accepting a pay offer that Unite the union described as 'richly deserved'. The workers, employed by Abellio, had staged a series of walkouts in recent months, disrupting journeys in south and west London.
Unite said the accepted offer would see drivers with over two years' service paid £18 an hour. The pay rise represents an 18% increase on the basic rate, and the agreement also includes increases to overtime and rest-day working rates.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called it an 'important pay victory'. 'Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase,' she added.
Abellio London said it was 'delighted' the offer had been accepted. A spokesperson described the pay rise as 'substantial', equating to an increase of about £100 a week, and said it made the firm 'one of the highest-paying operators in London'. However, they expressed disappointment that strikes continued into February despite the offer being made at the beginning of the year.
