Surrey buses: strike action suspended

Over 100 bus workers working for Abellio Surrey have suspended strike action following a breakthrough in talks at the conciliation service Acas, Unite announced today (June 9).

 
The drivers had been threatening to take strike action on June 11, 12, 15 and 16 over unilateral moves by Abellio Surrey to tear up a two-year agreement covering pay, terms and conditions that was signed in 2014.

 
Following talks at Acas the company has now agreed to honour the original agreement and withdraw the imposition of a new lower starter rate of ÂŁ9.46, with no pay progression.

 
The agreement now ensures a new starter rate of ÂŁ11.11 and progression to the normal pay rate of ÂŁ11.90 per hour after one year and six months service.

 
“We are pleased that the company has committed to honour its original agreement and taken a step back from imposing new lower starter rates,” said Unite regional officer Dave Weeks.

 
“Strike action has been suspended as a result and we will be consulting with members on whether to accept or reject the deal reached at Acas.”