Strike action by bus drivers in the Highlands and Orkney has been called off following the agreement of a new pay deal, according to the Unite union. The dispute, which involved around 200 Stagecoach drivers, had threatened to disrupt services across Aviemore, Inverness, Portree, Tain, Thurso, and parts of Orkney.
Unite confirmed that the first year of the pay package will see drivers receive a basic pay increase of approximately 7.5%, backdated to July. In addition to this rise, drivers will also benefit from increased overtime and hourly rates. The second part of the deal will see overtime rates increase further, from £16.50 to £17.50.
The agreement comes after weeks of negotiations between Unite and Stagecoach, with the union highlighting that the deal provides much-needed financial support for workers in a challenging economic climate.
The resolution of this dispute ensures that bus services in these key areas will continue without disruption, offering relief to both passengers and employees as they head into the winter season.
