Rochdale bus users, breathe easy, the Bee Network is back on track. After weeks of uncertainty, missed connections, and rerouted school runs, the planned strikes by Stagecoach and Metroline drivers have officially been called off.
That’s because almost 2,000 Unite union members voted to accept a new pay deal: a 12% raise over two years, with two equal 5.9% boosts, one backdated to April, and the next set to land in pay packets this coming April. It applies to all rates of pay, including weekend and sick pay, with festive bonuses and better starter terms thrown in too.
It means no more walkouts on October 23 and 24, no more weekend disruption, just full services, back in business.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham declared it “an excellent, well-deserved win,” adding that it “proves the power of a union.” Colin Hayden, the regional officer, agreed: “This win only came about as the members stuck together to fight for the pay deal they deserved.”
TfGM has also promised to look into wider issues with pay and conditions, which might not make your commute any faster, but at least suggests someone’s paying attention.
So for now, Rochdale’s buses are back to doing what they do best: turning up late, crammed with schoolkids, but at least… running.
