Major bus strikes called off on Greater Manchester's Bee Network
2,000 Unite members were due to walkout between Tuesday and Thursday in a row over pay
Major strikes planned on Greater Manchester's Bee Network this week have been called off, as union members discuss a pay offer.
2,000 works represented by Unite were due to stage a second round of walkouts between Tuesday 30th September and Thursday 2nd October.
But two of the three operators involved in the dispute have now put a fresh pay offer to the union, with a third expected to follow on Monday (29 September).
In a statement released on Sunday night, Transport for Greater Manchester said: "It follows intensive work across the weekend, with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Mayor of Greater Manchester doing everything in their power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution.
"As a decision on Metroline services is not likely to be made until Monday, passengers are still being encouraged to check before travelling, with all the latest updates to be available on the Bee Network website."
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: We’ve been working throughout the weekend, doing everything in our power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution.
“This is positive progress and we’re pleased that union colleagues have now agreed to suspend strike action to ballot their members.
"We encourage staff at Metroline to do the same, in turn averting any strike action taking place this week.
“I have been clear that we support the aims of the unions - bus drivers deserve a better deal.
"But it has to be delivered in way that’s affordable and sustainable for the Bee Network.
"We’re hopeful that agreements can be reached between operators and unions to conclude the pay negotiations.”
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We are pleased that planned industrial action has been suspended by First and Stagecoach staff, and that their services will run as normal.
"We’re hopeful that the same approach will be agreed with staff at Metroline tomorrow, averting any industrial taking place this week.
“Any updates about bus services will be available on the Bee Network website and social media channels.
"We’re still encouraging everyone to check the latest status of their service before they travel this week, leave plenty of time for their journey and to get in touch if they have any questions.”