A LONG-running pay dispute involving Arriva has ended with a “vastly improved pay offer” for bus workers across Yorkshire.

Around 650 bus drivers and engineers went on strike after rejecting an initial 4.1 per cent increase in early June.

Now, four weeks after union Unite launched further strike action, drivers have been offered an average pay rise of nine per cent.

As part of the deal, the rate for new starters has increased from £9.79 an hour to £10.84.

Anyone with a year’s service will receive at least £11.96 and all drivers with at least three years’ service will receive £13.20 an hour.

A spokesperson for Arriva said: “We are very pleased for our customers and colleagues that we have been able to reach an agreement which brings confidence back to the bus network in Yorkshire.

“We would like to thank the Mayor of West Yorkshire for her support in discussions with both Arriva and Unite throughout this period.”

Arriva has launched a new recruitment campaign for drivers, showcasing current vacancies via www.arrivabusjobs.co.uk

Unite said it had been a “highly challenging dispute” for workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a superb result for our members. Through their unity and determination they have ensured that Arriva more than doubled its original offer.

“Unite is the union which always puts the job, pay and conditions of its members first and that approach is paying dividends as this Arriva deal demonstrates.”

Unite regional officer Phil Bown added: “This has been a highly challenging dispute and its success is due to the commitment of our members at Arriva Yorkshire and to the hard work and dedication of the union’s reps.”

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