Stagecoach Midlands strike suspended after talks with Unite the Union

Stagecoach have announced that a bus strike in Warwickshire scheduled to take place tomorrow (September 5) has now been suspended following last-minute talks with Unite the Union. The strike would have affected several Solihull routes as well as many others in and around Birmingham.

Almost 350 bus workers in Warwickshire were set to go on strike but after an improved pay offer the strike was called off. It will be put forward to Unite members at Stagecoach Midlands on Thursday (September 7) with a recommendation of acceptance from Unite. Previously, the union had said they would hold a continuous strike until a better pay deal was offered.

Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands said: “We are pleased that our talks with the union have gone well today and that the industrial action that was going to take place tomorrow has been suspended to allow members time to vote on an improved pay offer. We play an important part in our communities and customers can now expect their bus to run as normal tomorrow. We hope that the revised offer is accepted and any industrial action can be avoided.”

What Unite the Union said

Unite regional officer Sulinder Singh said: “Following an improved offer from Stagecoach, Unite has suspended strikes in order to ballot its members on the new offer.” However, if the deal is rejected, an indefinite strike action will begin from September 12 - which would affect almost 350 bus workers based in Warwickshire involved in the disupute.