Major update on National Express West Midlands bus strike this week

The planned National Express bus strikes in the West Midlands this Thursday (March 16) have been called off.

The strikes have been suspended, Unite, said on Monday evening. The union says it has suspended industrial action after an improved pay offer was made to staff. They say they have cancelled the strike to allow the new offer to be balloted on by the company’s staff and its members.

But Unite say indefinite strike action will begin on Monday, March 20 if the new offer from National Express is rejected.

A statement from the union, read: “Unite has suspended the industrial action due to be taken by more than 3,200 drivers and more than 200 engineers to allow for an improved offer to be balloted on by members.

“If the offer is rejected, all out indefinite strike action will begin at 0001 hrs on Monday 20 March.”

Unite regional officer Sulinder Singh, added: “Following significant progress with the company in negotiations, an improved pay offer was made. Strike action scheduled to begin this Thursday has been postponed to allow our members to vote on the offer.”