National Express makes a new offer to bus strikers to end industrial action in West Midlands

National Express West Midlands has announced that it has improved its offer to Unite the Union in a bid to end the indefinite bus strikes in Birmingham and across the region.

The bus operator runs 93% of the services in the West Midlands and the strike has caused chaos since it began on Monday (March 20). Unite the Union has confirmed that strikes will continue during the ballot on this offer on Friday and Saturday.

National Express had previously offered a 14.3% pay increase, along with increases to Christmas Eve pay, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay. That offer was rejected by drivers in a ballot and led to strikes.

The new offer sees a 16.2% pay increase, formalising existing interim overtime rates, increasing Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay.

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be fully recommended to its members and will be balloted on Friday and Saturday.

“Subject to a positive ballot, we are intending to operate a reduced service from Sunday 26 March and a normal service from Monday 27 March. We are very sorry to customers for the disruption this week.”

The spokesperson added: “This is a very fair and decent offer - among the best pay rises of any sector, anywhere in the country. We encourage all our drivers to accept the offer and get the West Midlands moving again.”

Unite confirmed that more than 3,100 National Express West Midlands bus drivers will vote tomorrow and Saturday on the improved offer put forward by the company - while stressing that strike action will continue while the ballot is held, with the results known on Saturday.

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “Following negotiations today, National Express put forward an improved pay offer which will be put to our members in a vote over the next two days. Unite will be making no further comments during the ballot period.”

Customers can stay up to date on the latest services operating by checking the National Express West Midlands website