With the threat of strike action looming, Stagecoach West confirmed today that it has put forward new proposals to the Unite trade union as part of efforts to reach a pay agreement covering bus drivers in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
The intervention followed talks with union representatives yesterday around a new pay deal for employees in Swindon, Bristol, Cheltenham, Coalway, Gloucester and Stroud.
A two-year pay deal, which would run through to October 2023, would provide employees with increases of up to 12%.
The deal would cover around 380 employees, including the 40% of staff who are not members of Unite.
The union is to carry out a consultation with its members from this Thursday, with a result expected on Friday 4th March.
Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We have held further pay talks with Unite this week and we are determined to do everything we can to reach a solution that is in the best interests of everyone.
“We remain committed to giving our people affordable pay rises, on top of the increases we have given over the past two years during the difficult period of the pandemic.
“Our fresh proposals are an opportunity for Unite to secure good pay rises for their members avoid any unnecessary disruption for local communities who rely on lifeline bus services.”
