Pay dispute at centre of threatened bus strike resolved, says Translink

A pay dispute at the centre of a threatened bus strike has been resolved after drivers accepted a revised offer, operator Translink has said.

Translink said members of the Unite and GMB unions had agreed to the new pay offer.

A strike planned for earlier this month, which was set to cause major disruption across Translink services in Northern Ireland, was averted after unions agreed to ballot members on the offer.

Translink said the offer had now been accepted.

“Translink is pleased that members of Unite the Union and GMB Bus Driver Trade Unions have accepted the revised pay offer,” said a Translink statement.

“This revised offer acknowledged our drivers’ concerns over increasing inflation and the cost of living, while also supporting wider business needs.

“Maintaining services for our customers has been of the utmost priority for the company and 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.”

GMB regional organiser Peter Macklin said the episode showed what workers could achieve when they “stick together to demand a fair deal”.

“This is a well deserved pay increase and package that our members have fought hard for,” he told the BBC.

“We thank every member who stood firm and earned this decent pay deal for themselves and their colleagues.”