Union leaders ‘pause’ a strike by Liverpool Stagecoach bus drivers planned for this weekend as it considers a ‘new and improved pay offer’. Tony McDonough reports

Unite has paused strike action by Stagecoach drivers. Picture by Tony McDonough

A four-day walkout planned by Stagecoach bus drivers in Liverpool has been “paused” after an improved pay offer from the company.

Drivers based out of the Stagecoach depot at Gillmoss in north Liverpool have been involved in an ongoing dispute with the company. They argue there is a big difference between what they are paid and the wages of Arriva drivers in the city.

Unite the Union claims Stagecoach drivers received £1.40 less an hour than their Arriva counterparts. This, it adds, equates to around £3,000 less over the course of a year.

This affects almost 500 drivers and they were due to walk out for four days over the coming weekend – July 12 to 15. However, that walkout is now called off while they consider a new pay offer from Stagecoach.

Unite regional officer Brian Troake said: “Following a new offer from Stagecoach we are now balloting our members. As a goodwill gesture the strikes that were due to take place from July 12 to 15 are now paused while the drivers are consulted.”

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Speaking in May Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For too long Stagecoach has gotten away with paying its Liverpool drivers on the cheap. It can totally afford to equalise pay with Arriva and that is what needs to happen.

“Unite’s Liverpool Stagecoach members have their union’s total backing in striking for a fair pay rise.”

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