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Bee Network bus strikes suspended

Commuters across Greater Manchester - including Tameside, Oldham and Glossop -can expect most bus services to run as normal this week after planned strikes by Bee Network bus operators were suspended.

Industrial action by staff at First and Stagecoach, which had been due to take place from Tuesday 30 September to Thursday 2 October, has been called off while union members vote on a new pay offer.

Unite the Union announced on Sunday that strikes at First and Stagecoach will be paused to allow staff to ballot on a revised deal. Talks with Metroline are continuing, with a decision expected on Monday (29 September).

If Metroline staff agree to suspend their strike too, it will mean all Bee Network buses across Greater Manchester will operate as normal this week.

The breakthrough follows intensive weekend talks involving Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the bus operators and union representatives, with the support of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham said: “We’ve been working throughout the weekend, doing everything in our power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution.

“This is positive progress and we’re pleased that union colleagues have now agreed to suspend strike action to ballot their members. We encourage staff at Metroline to do the same, in turn averting any strike action taking place this week.

“I have been clear that we support the aims of the unions – bus drivers deserve a better deal. But it has to be delivered in a way that’s affordable and sustainable for the Bee Network. We’re hopeful that agreements can be reached between operators and unions to conclude the pay negotiations.”

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, added: “We are pleased that planned industrial action has been suspended by First and Stagecoach staff, and that their services will run as normal. We’re hopeful that the same approach will be agreed with staff at Metroline tomorrow, averting any industrial action taking place this week.

“Any updates about bus services will be available on the Bee Network website and social media channels. We’re still encouraging everyone to check the latest status of their service before they travel this week, leave plenty of time for their journey and to get in touch if they have any questions.”

While the situation looks more positive, passengers are still being urged to check before they travel, particularly on Monday, until Metroline’s decision is confirmed.

For the latest information on services, visit the Bee Network website: www.beenetwork.com/bus-industrial-action or follow the Bee Network on social media.

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