Planned strikes by more than 500 Stagecoach bus drivers across the south and west of Scotland have been suspended following a legal threat from the Unite union, averting widespread disruption to services in May.
Industrial action had been scheduled for May 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23 after 98% of Unite members in the region voted for strikes in a dispute over pay. The row escalated when Stagecoach threatened to cancel drivers’ annual leave during the strike dates, prompting Unite to threaten legal action, alleging discrimination against union members for their trade union activities.
Dougie Maguire, Unite regional coordinator, confirmed the suspension:
“Unite can confirm that the forthcoming strike action involving over 500 drivers at Stagecoach West Scotland is suspended. 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company on the grounds of preventing discrimination against our members for trade union activities, the company has now withdrawn their threat of cancelling the drivers’ annual leave entitlement.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 had previously claimed the cancellation of leave was “necessary” due to “increasing sickness levels and the importance of providing dependable services to our customers,” adding that affected drivers were given more notice than legally required.
However, after Unite’s legal challenge, the company withdrew the threat and welcomed the union’s return to negotiations.
A Stagecoach spokesperson said:
“Following the suspension of all notified strike dates by Unite, we can confirm that our network of services will continue to operate to their full timetable, including on May 2 and May 6. 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.”
The dispute centres on pay, with Unite rejecting a 4% increase offered by Stagecoach, calling it “unacceptable.” Stagecoach has said it plans to increase hourly wages by over 15% across two years, following a previous two-year deal that raised base pay by 13%.
With strike action now suspended, both sides are set to resume negotiations in hopes of reaching a resolution.
