Some bus strikes called off after drivers accept ‘exceptional’ pay deal
Reporter: Declan Carey, Local Democracy Reporter
Date published: 01 October 2025
A Bee Network bus. Image courtesy of TfGM
An ‘exceptional’ 20 per cent pay deal has led to drivers working for First Bus to call off strike action in Greater Manchester, Unite the union has said.
Staff working for the firm were involved in industrial action over pay, alongside those from Stagecoach and Metroline who are planning further strikes in the region from next week.
Unite said a new deal for drivers at First Bus means members earning £15 an hour for all days worked will see their wages increase incrementally up to April 2026, rising to £18 an hour for working Monday to Friday, £19 for Saturday and £20 for Sunday working.
The deal was accepted by Unite members after a vote.
Strike action has caused major disruption on the bus network in Greater Manchester, with affected passengers saying they have had to fork out for taxis due to the impact on services.
Unite said the new pay deal for First Bus drivers ‘is a 20 per cent pay rise on working weekdays within six months, and goes a long way to addressing the fact that these workers were the lowest paid drivers in the region.’
The trade union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “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 – and we deliver.”
A strike affecting Metroline services finished yesterday (Thursday).
It had been joined by 1,000 members from the firm’s Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe depots.
The other affected firm in the Bee Network dispute is Stagecoach.
Around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport and Middleton depots paused strike action to be balloted on a new pay deal, but it was overwhelmingly rejected by members.
More than 1,900 workers at Metroline and Stagecoach are now set to walk out next week on October 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24, Unite said.
The trade union’s regional officer, Colin Hayden, said: “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.
“Unite remains open to negotiations with the other firms involved in the dispute, but unless new offers acceptable to our members are brought to the table more disruptive strike action will go ahead.”
Danny Vaughan, chief network officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “We are pleased that planned industrial action has been suspended by First staff and an agreement reached.
"We encourage Stagecoach, Metroline and Unite to continue discussions to avert further strike action.
“Any updates about bus services next week will be available on the Bee Network website and social media channels in due course.
“We’re still encouraging everyone to check the latest status of their service before they travel, leave plenty of time for their journey and to get in touch if they have any questions.”
A Metroline Manchester spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite has continued to pursue strike action rather than giving drivers the choice to ballot on our improved offer of an 8.8 per cent increase over two years.
"Our improved offer exceeds inflation and would ensure that our drivers continue to be amongst the best paid in the country.
“We value our drivers and the work they do and our team has worked tirelessly to present an offer that meets their expectations.
"We remain open and committed to finding resolution and want to avoid further industrial action which disrupts the everyday lives of our communities.”
Paul Townley, general manager for First Bus in Rochdale, said: “We would like to thank our Unite the Union 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, which is great news for customers who rely on us to get to work, school and other important events and appointments.”
Stagecoach has been approached for comment.
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