London bus drivers win 18 per cent pay rise after 20 strike days

A long-running industrial dispute between London bus drivers and their employer has ended after workers accepted an 18 per cent pay rise.

More than 1,800 bus drivers employed by Abellio, who are members of Unite union, have accepted a pay increase that will see drivers with more than two years’ service being paid £18 an hour.

This equates to a pay increase of 18 per cent on the basic rate.

The agreement also includes increases to all rates including overtime and rest day working.

Negotiations over the past few weeks also saw an increase to the rate for new starters, as well as increased rates for Saturday and Sunday working.

The union also won the £18 per hour for drivers who transferred to Abellio under TUPE legislation and had not previously been made the offer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and, with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase.

“Unite’s constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers.”

In addition to the pay increase, the union’s campaign has resulted in one of Unite’s reps being reinstated after they had initially been dismissed.

Unite regional officer Guy Langston, said: “This pay deal could not have been secured without the hard work of Unite’s reps and the commitment of its members. Unite will be looking to build on its increased industrial strength in future pay negotiations.”

Pictured top: An Abellio bus to Clapham Junction (Picture: Matt Davis)