The long running industrial action involving bus drivers employed by Arriva Yorkshire at Selby, York and Goole has ended after they accepted an improved pay offer.
But due to an agreement made in 2017, when there were fears the depot could close, Selby staff are still on lower rates than workers in the rest of Yorkshire.
Speaking about the dispute, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a superb result for our members. Through their unity and determination they have ensured that Arriva more than doubled its original offer.
“Unite is the union which always puts the job, pay and conditions of its members first and that approach is paying dividends as this Arriva deal demonstrates.”
Rate increases are not the same in Selby as in West Yorkshire
As part of the deal the rate for new starters have increased from £9.79 an hour to £10.84, while anyone with a year’s service will receive at least £11.96, all drivers with at least three years’ service will receive £13.20 an hour.
However Selby Depot staff are getting less than that. Arriva Yorkshire confirmed the different pay rates to YorkMix.
“All existing driver rates have had £1.05 added on to them, Selby depot has been at a lower rate for a number of years as a result of a pay buyout with Selby drivers.
“The new Selby rates are £10.84 up to 18 months and £11.25 thereafter.”
A former driver at the depot has told YorkMix that the lower pay deal in 2017 was the result of fears that the depot would close.
Arriva Yorkshire said: “We are very pleased for our customers and colleagues that we have been able to reach an agreement which brings confidence back to the bus network in Yorkshire.
We would like to thank the Mayor of West Yorkshire for her support in discussions throughout this period.”