News / strikes

Bus strikes called off after ‘improved’ pay offer

By Karen Johnson  Tuesday Sep 2, 2025

Bus strikes scheduled to start on Thursday have now been postponed, after a new “improved” pay offer to the drivers.

As part of a planned industrial action, drivers from Lawrence Hill and Hengrove bus depots were set to walk out for two separate weeks, but Unite has now confirmed that its members will no longer strike.

While the strikes planned for Thursday to Monday have been suspended, there is no update yet about the strikes scheduled between September 16 to 19.

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Announcing the change in their plans to strike, regional officer for Unite Ken Fish said: “Following an improved offer from First West of England City Line, Unite has suspended industrial action due to take place later this week so workers can have their say.”

In a statement to Bristol24/7, managing director for First Bus West of England Doug Claringbold said: “We are pleased that the union has decided to suspend its planned strikes between September 4 and 8 in the West of England while its members consider our new pay offer.

“We have always committed to working with Unite to try and settle this dispute to avoid unnecessary disruption to customers.

“We hope for a favourable outcome so we’re able to keep our buses on the road and continue serving our customers.”

Main photo: Karen Johnson

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