More than 3,000 bus staff employed by the Go-Ahead Group in London have secured a 10.5% pay increase.
Go-Ahead initially presented an offer of 9%, which was rejected by the employees, who are members of trade union Unite. An improved 10.5% deal was then offered, as the union announced that it was preparing to ballot members for industrial action.
The pay deal applies to both bus drivers and engineers who work for Go-Ahead London Central, Go-Ahead General and Metrobus. It covers all elements of pay and allowances, and all back pay that is owed to the workers will be paid in full.
The eligible employees operate routes throughout South London, based at the Bexleyheath, Camberwell, Croydon, Merton, Morden Wharfe, New Cross, Orpington, Peckham, Putney, Stockwell, Sutton, Waterloo and Waterside Way depots.
A Go-Ahead London spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have recently concluded a pay deal for most of our drivers and engineers, which makes a rewarding career with Go-Ahead London even more attractive. The agreement reflects the current cost of living and will make a real difference to our 6,000 frontline colleagues.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is an important win for bus workers at Go-Ahead. By being organised and fully prepared to face down management they have secured this pay increase. Unite’s commitment to prioritising the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is paying dividends and the pay deal at Go-Ahead is a clear example of the success of this strategy.”
Bruce Swan, regional officer at Unite, added: “Credit must go to our reps at Go-Ahead whose hard work and dedication were critical to ensuring that a greatly improved pay deal was secured for members.”