THE bus drivers’ strike which was set to cause disruption across the North East tomorrow has been called off at the 11th hour.
After lengthy discussions last night between bus company Go North East and Unite, the union which represents the drivers, members are to be balloted on a revised pay deal.
The offer consists of three parts: a two per cent increase backdated to 1st July 2012; a further 0.5 per cent from 1 April 2013; and a final two per cent from 1st July 2013.
The increase in the revised offer will be funded through productivity improvements, which will be the subject of further negotiation.
Martin Harris, commercial director of Go North East, said: “We’re very pleased that the trade union has decided to suspend its industrial action.
“This means that our customers will experience normal services tomorrow and on Monday 18 March and Saturday 23rd March.
“We believe the offer to be better than has been agreed in any other major bus company in the region, and represents a good deal in the current economic climate.
“I welcome the fact that the union is to recommend it to our drivers.”
The result of the ballot should be known on March 26.
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