First Bus Hampshire suspends strike as workers vote on new pay offer

Strikes by Unite members at First Bus Hampshire have been suspended following a new and improved pay offer from the bus company.

Over 140 drivers and supervisors at First Bus in Hampshire were to take further strike action and March.

This was in light of the bus company’s attempts to impose a pay deal that had already been rejected by workers.

Following last minute talks on Friday, First have made a new pay offer, resulting in the cessation of strike action.

Ian Woodland, regional officer at Unite, said: “The threat of further strike action has made First Bus see sense and they have come back to the table with a new offer.

“While we ballot our members on whether to accept this, as a goodwill gesture industrial action has been suspended.”

Simon Goff, managing director, Solent from First Bus, said: “We are delighted to have agreed an offer with our Unite colleagues, and that they have suspended their industrial action immediately.

“Unite the Union has confirmed it will recommend our latest pay offer to its members in a ballot next week.

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

“Our team remains focused on delivering excellent services in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport and the wider region.”