First Bus drivers based in Greater Manchester have voted to accept a pay deal worth 20%, ending an ongoing dispute and any further strike action.
The drivers are members of trade union Unite. They argued that they were the lowest paid drivers in the region.
The two-year deal will see those previously on £15 per hour for all days worked receive £16, immediately backdated to 1 April. As of October, this will rise again to £16.50, followed by further increments in January 2026 to £17 Monday to Friday, £18 on Saturday and £19 on Sunday.
They will then receive a further increase in April 2026 to £18 for working Monday to Friday, £19 for Saturday and £20 for Sunday working. This is a 20% pay rise on working weekdays within six months.
Paul Townley, general manager for First Bus in Rochdale, said: “We would like to thank our Unite colleagues for the constructive pay talks, which have resulted in an agreement being reached and the cancellation of planned industrial action by our drivers. Our services will continue to run as planned.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “This is an exceptional pay deal, which was only won by workers standing firmly together in the face of their very profitable employer. It is proof once again that being a member of Unite pays for itself. We will always support every member in their fight for better pay.”
Colin Hayden, regional officer at Unite, added: “We are very pleased to have had such an excellent win at First, which is thanks to the hard work of reps and members throughout the dispute.”
Additionally, industrial action by 1,000 Metroline Manchester members at the Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe depots finished on 2 October. Meanwhile, around 1,000 Stagecoach drivers across the Oldham, Stockport and Middleton depots paused strike action to be balloted on a new pay deal, but this was overwhelmingly rejected. More than 1,900 Metroline and Stagecoach workers will walk out on 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 October.
