Bus strikes postponed to allow for further talks

Scheduled bus strikes which would see drivers and engineers in Cambridge walk out have been postponed.

Unite the Union confirmed that industrial action planned for its members at Stagecoach East on Wednesday and Friday would be delayed to allow for talks.

Staff had taken action over the Christmas period and into January, in a dispute over pay.

Darren Roe, managing director of Stagecoach East, said a full timetable would operate as normal on the two days.

Industrial action had also been planned for 9, 11 and 13 February.

Pay talks between the company and the union started in September, alongside talks with depot teams in Fenstanton, Peterborough and Cambridge.

The union said drivers in Cambridge were paid £16.22 per hour, compared to £18 for staff in Manchester - and £17.43 in Liverpool.

Members had asked for a 9% pay rise to reflect "extremely difficult demands of the job and the rising cost of living".

Stagecoach said it was "unable to meet" the demand.

Roe said that he had implemented a pay rise of 4% for the Cambridge team from 28 December, in line with increases already given to other depots.

Roe said: "We know how much our customers in Cambridge rely on our services for work, medical appointments, and education, and we are relieved these essential journeys will no longer be disrupted.

"Our priority now is to restore the stability of our network."

Unite has been asked for further comment.

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