First Bus strike called off during August bank holidays as workers secure lump sum
Transport chaos was anticipated to happen over August Bank Holiday weekend as First Bus workers had been planning to take industrial motion in an ongoing row over pay and dealing circumstances. This would have affected providers in Portsmouth, Cosham, Fareham, Gosport, Paulsgrove and Southampton.
Workers are receiving a one-off lump sum of £600 – separate to ongoing pay discussions. Sharon Graham, Unite common secretary, stated: “This deal underlines the facility of employee solidarity.
“Our members took a stand and First South returned to the negotiating desk and made a proposal that workers had been ready to just accept. This deal is additional proof of how Unite’s give attention to jobs, pay and circumstances is delivering monetary advantages for its members.
“Unite will construct on this deal in additional pay negotiations at First South.” Unite regional officer Ian Woodland stated: “The deal was down to the commitment and hard work of Unite’s reps who ensured the workforce were united and forced the employer back to the negotiating table.”
Simon Goff, managing director for First South, stated: “First South are happy to have collectively agreed a decision with Unite the Union that has ensured the deliberate industrial motion in Portsmouth this weekend has been called off.
“Our providers will proceed to run as deliberate over the bank vacation weekend, permitting individuals to get to the place they should go, together with Victorious Festival.”
