Greater Manchester bus strikes go ahead after pay talks collapse
Around 1,000 drivers with operator Metroline are to walk out despite other strike suspensions
About 1,000 bus drivers at Metroline depots across Greater Manchester will go ahead with three days of strike action this week after pay talks broke down, the Unite union has confirmed.
The strikes will take place from Tuesday 30th September to Thursday 2nd October 2025, affecting services across parts of Manchester, the city centre, Tameside, Trafford and Stockport.
Unite said its members from Metroline’s Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe depots would strike after rejecting the company’s latest pay proposal.
The industrial action comes despite planned strikes by more than 1,100 drivers at Stagecoach and First Bus Rochdale being suspended following improved offers.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “Workers at Metroline will continue with industrial action as planned as the employer has not made an offer deemed acceptable to our members.”
Metroline said it was “disappointed” Unite had not allowed drivers to ballot on its proposed 8.8% pay increase over two years.
A spokesperson added: “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% increase over two years.” The company added that the offer was in line with Stagecoach’s deal and said it remained “open and committed to finding a resolution.”
Transport for Greater Manchester has warned passengers to expect disruption. A spokesperson said: “Some bus services across Greater Manchester will be disrupted this week, with staff at bus operator Metroline set to go ahead with planned strikes. While some industrial action has been called off – meaning many buses will run as normal – some services will be impacted by action from Tuesday 30th September to Thursday 2nd October 2025.”
Services in Stockport will operate at mixed levels, with some running and others cancelled, while buses in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Wigan are expected to run as normal. City centre “Free Buses” will also continue to operate.
Transport bosses are urging people to plan ahead. “We’re urging everyone to check before travelling in case your bus is affected. You should also leave plenty of time for your journey and plan an alternative route if your bus is not expected to run,” the spokesperson added.
The dispute is the latest in a series of strikes involving Bee Network drivers, with around 2,000 workers having already taken industrial action last week.