Stagecoach drivers suspend strike ahead of pay talks
STAGECOACHStrike action by 500 bus drivers at Stagecoach in the south and west of Scotland has been suspended ahead of fresh talks with management.
Members of the Unite union were set to walk out for seven days over a three-week period in May in a dispute over pay.
The union had threatened legal action after it emerged the firm had cancelled drivers' holiday dates during the planned strike.
However, that has now been withdrawn and the two sides are set to get back round the table for talks.
Unite previously called the 4% offer to its members – operating out of the Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer depots – "unacceptable".
Stagecoach said it would increase hourly rates by more than 15% over a two-year period.
A previous two-year deal saw basic pay increase by 13%.
Unite said the company had halted its threat of cancelling leave while negotiations over a settlement were ongoing.
The union's regional coordinator, Dougie Maguire, said: "Following our threat to seek an interim interdict against the company on the grounds of preventing discrimination against our members for trade union activities, the company has now withdrawn their threat of cancelling the drivers' annual leave entitlement.
"Unite remains utterly focused on getting our members a fairer pay offer from Stagecoach West Scotland, and we are always ready to negotiate a resolution to the pay dispute on this basis."
Stagecoach said it would pursue a "fair and sustainable" deal which preserved the "viability" of its services.
Strikes were due to take place on 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23 May.
But Stagecoach said that a full timetable would now run on those dates.
A spokesperson said: "We welcome Unite's commitment to return to talks, and we remain dedicated to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across west Scotland."