London bus dispute ends with wages win

A long-running dispute involving more than 1,800 drivers for Abellio in London has ended after 23 days of strike action this year and last (see previous issues).

The drivers’ union, Unite, has reported that an offer has been accepted that will see drivers with over two years’ service being paid £18 an hour.

The pay rise equates to an increase of 18% on the basic rate, while the agreement also includes all rates being raised, including overtime and rest-day working, the union says.

In addition to the pay increase, Unite reports that one of its reps has been reinstated after being dismissed on “trumped-up charges”, after it had made clear that there would be no resolution to the dispute otherwise.