Go-Ahead London bus workers secure 10.5% pay increase

Bus workers employed by the Go-Ahead group in London have secured a 10.5 per cent pay increase, following intensive negotiations with the company.

The pay deal will benefit over 3,000 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, and applies to both bus drivers and engineers. The pay increase covers all elements of pay and allowances and it will be paid in full on all back pay owed to the workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important win for bus workers at Go-Ahead. By being organised and fully prepared to face down management they have secured this pay increase.

“Unite’s commitment to prioritising the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is paying dividends and the pay deal at Go-Ahead is a clear example of the success of this strategy.”

The deal was struck following extensive negotiations. The company initially offered a final offer of nine per cent but this was rejected by members. When Unite announced that it was preparing to ballot members for industrial action, Go-Ahead made the improved offer of 10.5 per cent which members accepted.

The workers covered by the agreement work for Go-Ahead London Central, Go-Ahead General and Metrobus. The pay increase means that Go-Ahead bus drivers are currently among the best paid in London.

The workers who will benefit operate routes throughout south London and are based in the following depots: Bexleyheath, Camberwell, Croydon, Merton, Morden Wharfe, New Cross, Orpington, Peckham, Putney, Stockwell, Sutton, Waterloo and Waterside Way.

The pay deal at Go-Ahead places further pressure on the management at Metroline to give its workers a fair pay offer. Unite has begun balloting for industrial action as bus drivers have been offered increases of as little as 5.5 per cent.

Unite regional officer Bruce Swan said: “Credit must go to our reps at Go-Ahead whose hard work and dedication were critical to ensuring that a greatly improved pay deal was secured for members.”