CAMPAIGN Rural pay
‘Trade unionism in action’
Bus routes crossing the countryside provide a lifeline to rural communities, and thanks to Unite many of the drivers on these essential services have been receiving double digit pay deals.
Bus drivers serving the public across Yorkshire and Gloucestershire have recently settled disputes with employers Stagecoach and First.
In Gloucestershire more than 250 Stagecoach West drivers were ready to step out of the cab and go on strike until Unite secured an improved pay deal.
The drivers had voted for strike action but have now accepted the deal that will see wages increase by 11.1 per cent by January 2026. This includes around a pound an hour pay rise effective from January 2025, plus a £400 one off payment for drivers who began work for Stagecoach West before October 2024.
The drivers are based in depots in Cheltenham, Coleway, Gloucester and Stroud and the deal also protects weekend and bank holiday rates, which were previously under threat.
Across the country in Yorkshire 170 Huddersfield based drivers with First West Yorkshire also called off strike action after Unite secured an improved pay deal worth nearly 16 per cent.
These workers were poised to strike over pay lagging behind fellow First West Yorkshire drivers in other areas. The improved pay deal resulted in wages increasing to £15 an hour incrementally over two years.
These two recent cases of Unite wins for members who provide vital rural services are just the tip of the iceberg.
17 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2025
The union has also won considerable pay increases for drivers in Hampshire and the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham welcomed “trade unionism in action” and praised drivers for standing together and being prepared to take strike action to secure substantial increases in pay.
The general secretary said the drivers’ solidarity shows, “exactly what Unite does: deliver improved jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”
The news was also welcomed by regional officers who had been supporting members.
In the South West, Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said,
n By Keith Hatch
Rural bus pay wins
“Well done to our Stagecoach reps and members. Without their hard work and solidarity this deal would not have been achieved.
“This result is a prime example of why those who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”
Yorkshire Unite regional officer Darren Rushworth added, “This pay victory is another reminder that those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too – there is power in a union.”
Buses are vital for social cohesion in the countryside, and it is also vital that the dedicated drivers who serve these communities are paid the wages they deserve.
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