Overview

• First Bus drivers in Greater Manchester accepted a Unite‑described 20% package, with weekday rates rising to £18 by April 2026 and Sunday shifts to £20, and strikes there were called off.
• Stagecoach drivers at Birkenhead will move from £14.94 to £16.50 over two years, while Chorley and Preston rise from £15.50 to £16.50 over one year, with action in those areas cancelled.
• Brighton & Hove Buses, Crawley Metrobus and Copthorne staff backed a deal worth 5.2% overall, rising to 7% at Copthorne, with sick pay set at 67% and planned strikes withdrawn.
• Many settlements are backdated to April 1, 2025, reflecting Unite’s push for pay parity and improved conditions across depots.
• Unite says more than 1,900 workers at Metroline and Stagecoach sites including Oldham, Stockport and Middleton plan to strike on October 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 unless new offers emerge.