Wirral's independent local news website
The long-running Arriva North West bus strike is officially over after workers voted to accept a new pay deal.
After 29 days of all-out industrial action, Unite the union and the GMB has today (Friday) declared the strike at Arriva North West over having securing a magnificent pay deal for their members.
GMB and Unite members overwhelmingly accepted a new deal of £15 per hour or an 11.1 per cent pay increase.
The ballot means the five week industrial action comes to an end.
George Patterson, GMB Organiser, said, “GMB members at Arriva should be very proud of themselves. By standing together they’ve won themselves the pay rise they deserve.
“It’s just disappointing it took five weeks of financial hardship and public inconvenience to get there – especially as the company had the finances to fund the pay rise the whole time.”
Hailing the victory, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Our members stood strong for a month. They thoroughly deserve their magnificent victory. This is how Unite responds to the cost of living crisis, with a win that will put an extra £55 per week in our members’ wallets.
“Arriva North West’s German parent company could well afford to raise pay. We say to other employers, take note – where you can pay, you should do so.”
A previous offer of 9.6 per cent had been overwhelmingly rejected by workers.
The vote to accept the new pay offer came after the strike was suspended earlier this week.
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news