Around 2,000 bus drivers working for Manchester’s integrated Bee Network transport system have accepted an improved 12% pay deal over two years, ending planned strike action this month.
The Stagecoach and Metroline employees, who are members of trade union Unite, were due to take strike action on 18, 23 and 24 October in a pay dispute. They previously walked out from 19 to 22 September.
The first 5.9% pay rise will be backdated to April. The workers will receive another 5.9% pay rise in April 2026 on all rates of pay, including weekend and sick pay.
Drivers have also been given Christmas working enhancements, including improved pay and time off in lieu. Meanwhile, the previous new starter rate of 12 months progression has been replaced with a commitment to paying new drivers full pay once they complete their training, which takes six to 12 weeks.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) and Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, have committed to look into historical issues in the passenger transport sector, such as access to toilets, adequate breaks and better pension schemes.
Burnham added: “Bus drivers are critical to the success of the Bee Network and we value what they do to keep Greater Manchester moving. We’ve been working hard to get to this point and are pleased Unite has called off this weekend’s strikes.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Bus drivers do difficult, essential jobs day in day out and deserve pay that reflects this. This is an excellent, well-deserved win for our members at Stagecoach and Metroline which took on their employers in the fight for better pay and won.”
Colin Hayden, regional officer at Unite, added: “We are also pleased TFGM has pledged to address other problems with pay and conditions and Unite looks forward to working to improve this.”
