First Bus Hampshire Unite members accept new payment deal

Drivers at First Bus’s Hoeford depot in Hampshire have accepted the company’s new pay offer following a period of industrial action.

Unite members across the south coast had taken part in 32 days of strikes.

Despite having previously declined the possibility of any additional pay increase, First returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer that was accepted by Unite members after a ballot.

The new deal sees a revised anniversary date and drivers receive a 7% increase in pay.

This included a 5.5% increase in headline pay backdated to August 2024 and an increase in overtime rates.

In August 2025 they will get a further 1.5% and a further increase in overtime pay.

The pay anniversary has also been shifted to now be annually in February.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Our members at First Bus should be congratulated on achieving a decent pay increase after prolonged industrial action against an intransigent employer.

“By staying strong and being willing to take to the picket line they have been victorious and showed the power of their union.”

First Bus drivers in Slough have received an almost identical offer which has also been accepted, avoiding the need for any industrial action.

Ian Woodland regional officer at Unite, added: “First Bus has seen sense and come back with an offer that is now acceptable to our members. They’ve also extended the same pay award to colleagues in Slough.

“Drivers do a skilled and stressful job and these were some of the lowest paid in the region so it is right and proper that their hard work is being rewarded by a company making millions.

“Members should be congratulated for being willing to take to the picket line and staying strong – another victory for Unite.”

Simon Goff, managing director at First Bus South, said: “We are pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Unite the Union at our Hoeford depot. 

“Colleagues will feel the benefit of this new deal as soon as possible, with the new rates of pay applicable from 16th March, as well as backpay.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding throughout our determined efforts to end this dispute.”