Translink bus strike averted as unions and bosses agree new pay deal and ballot

The GMB and Unite unions who represent drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company, have deferred industrial strike action that was due to begin on Monday, April 25, after negotiations led to a new pay offer from employers.

Workers will now vote on the revised offer, with the ballot commencing next week.

Peter Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “As a result of those talks and the revised offer made by the employers, workplace representatives in both unions have decided to defer next week’s planned action and ballot the members.

"We will make public the results of that process as they become known.”

Davy Thompson, Unite deputy Regional Secretary, said: “The strike action planned by both Unite and GMB bus drivers would have resulted in the cancellation of all bus services across Northern Ireland from next Monday.

"Ahead of that eventuality the unions and employers engaged in direct negotiations on the issue of pay.”

Translink welcomed the opportunity to work with officials from Unite the Union and GMB Bus Driver Trade Unions.

A Translink spokesperson said: “We have an agreement to defer the planned strike action commencing Monday, 25th April while the bus drivers are balloted on a revised pay offer following further negotiations.

“We welcome this positive step and thank the Unions for their commitment to working together in an effort to build back public transport as a sustainable and better future for all.”

IN PICTURES: Unite strike action outside Strand Rd Council offices, Derry today