Facing significant worker anger over real-terms pay cuts, Unite initially announced strikes across three major bus operators in Greater Manchester. Stagecoach drivers were to strike for three days over a 13% pay offer, viewed as insufficient given the rising cost of living. First Bus drivers sought a pay increase to £16 per hour and improved sick pay. Metroline drivers demanded wage parity with colleagues at other depots and an end to a two-tier pay system.
However, Unite abruptly called off the Stagecoach and Metroline strikes following last-minute talks brokered by Mayor Burnham. Unite cited “significant progress” in negotiations, but details remained vague. Stagecoach drivers will now vote on a revised offer, while Metroline drivers will await further negotiations.
The First Bus strike proceeded as planned, with drivers picketing depots across the region. Unite had secured a 15.6% pay increase at First Manchester prior to the planned strike, which has been accepted by the drivers. However, the other bus companies lag behind and the workers are demanding parity.
The article argues that Unite’s actions undermined the collective power of the bus drivers by isolating the First Bus workers and potentially pressuring Stagecoach drivers to accept a substandard deal. The author frames it as a betrayal.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/10/01/mqry-o01.html
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