Workers employed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority have accepted an improved pay rise offer following two rounds of strike action.
The employees, who work as transport planners, administrators, project managers and IT staff, are members of trade union Unison. A total of 88% of the staff voted in favour of accepting the new deal.
Around 125 workers will benefit from the improved offer, which guarantees a minimum hourly rate of £15, a pay rise of 3.2% for all staff that is backdated to last April, and a one-off payment for 2025/26. Staff on pay grade eight and below will receive an extra £415, while those on grade nine will receive £200.
The two-year settlement also ensures that all staff will receive a minimum 3% increase in 2026/27. West Yorkshire Combined Authority has promised to match next year’s national local government pay award if it is higher.
The new deal also includes free transport passes and an agreement to look at the possibility of a four-day working week.
The employees took part in three days of strike action in December, as well as a further 24 hours in January, in the dispute over pay. They said strike action was voted for after their employer countered their 5% above inflation pay increase request with a 3.2% offer. Unison said this was received five months after the offer was submitted and three months after the pay rise was due.
Pam Sian, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Transport branch secretary at Unison, said: “This result is testament to the power of people standing up and fighting for what’s fair. Everyone who voted, stood on a picket line or supported employees has driven this forward, securing a significant wage rise for this year and next. Hard-working staff who provide key services to the region will now receive the pay they deserve.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority was contacted for comment prior to publication.
