Suspension of Translink strike hailed as ‘good news’

A Translink bus strike that had been set to begin on Tuesday has been suspended.

Translink said that it had reached agreement with trade union officials to avert the planned action.

Bus services in Northern Ireland had been set for major disruption with GMB and Unite union workers planning to strike from May 17 to 23.

A Translink spokesperson said: “Following a meeting with the Union officials today, we have structured a revised offer that acknowledges their concerns over increasing inflation and the cost of living while also supporting wider business needs.

“We welcome this constructive engagement with our unions.

“Preventing this industrial action has been of the utmost priority for the company.

“We are pleased to have found a way forward that will enable us to build back public transport for a more sustainable and better future for all”.

Newly installed Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd welcomed the suspension of strike action, calling it “good news”.

“While I fully recognise and respect the rights of trade unions to take action on issues that matter to them and their members, I am pleased that an agreement has been reached to avoid strike action this week.

“Public transport services are a very important part of every day life for our citizens and I am pleased that the disruption to those services has been averted. I commend all sides for their hard work in reaching this agreement.”