Salford commuters will not be affected by further strike action after a back-to-back pay rise deal was agreed with transport staff.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has agreed that staff will receive a 3.2% pay increase, backdated from this year, and a further 3% increase from 1 April next year.
Bus and tram drivers on the Bee Network previously took part in industrial action, which impacted routes across Salford, as they bargained for an inflation-reflecting wage increase.
Services in Walkden, Swinton, Eccles, Pendleton and Ordsall were among the 130 bus routes affected by a large-scale strike in September.
Members of Unison and Unite voted 87% and 85%, respectively, in favour of the pay offer, averting similar strike action, as a deal was agreed.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This deal ensures that TfGM remains a rewarding place to build a career, with fair pay, terms and conditions.”
The deal also includes a commitment to all TfGM staff £15 an hour, an increase in standby payments, flexible working for frontline staff and increases to allowances and salary sacrifice schemes for family travel and electric vehicles, TfGM confirmed.
Burnham added: “I am delighted that an agreement has been reached between TfGM and unions which guarantees an increase in pay for our hard-working staff who are critical to the ongoing success of the Bee Network.
“TfGM has been working constructively together with Unison and Unite to find a way forward that works for all parties, and I want to thank both unions for maintaining open dialogue throughout these negotiations.
“Our focus will now be on maintaining a positive working culture as TfGM continue to deliver a world-class public transport system for Greater Manchester.”
Three-quarters of TfGM staff will also receive a one-off payment of either £500 or £1000 as part of the agreement.
