First Manchester drivers win 20% pay rise as strike is called off but Bee Network walkouts continue

Friday, 3 October 2025 12:36

By David Murphy

Bus strikes by First Manchester drivers have been called off after an ‘exceptional’ pay deal was secured, but industrial action will continue at Metroline and Stagecoach depots across Greater Manchester.

Drivers employed by First Bus in Greater Manchester have voted to accept a 20% pay rise in a move that has halted further strike action. The new two-year deal was agreed following a campaign by Unite the union and is set to significantly boost wages for some of the region’s lowest-paid drivers.

The agreement includes an immediate increase from £15 to £16 per hour, backdated to 1 April 2025. Wages will then rise to £16.50 from October, followed by staggered increases in January 2026 to £17 (Monday to Friday), £18 (Saturday), and £19 (Sunday). A further rise will take effect in April 2026, lifting weekday pay to £18, Saturday to £19 and Sunday to £20.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham hailed the outcome, calling it “an exceptional pay deal” won through worker solidarity. She added: “It is proof once again that being a member of Unite pays for itself. We will always support every member in their fight for better pay, and we deliver.”

Unite’s regional officer Colin Hayden also praised the agreement, crediting the win to the hard work of union reps and members.

Despite the resolution with First, industrial tensions remain high within Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

Around 1,000 Metroline Manchester drivers ended their strike on 2 October, having taken action across depots in Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe. However, their colleagues at Stagecoach have rejected a separate pay offer, with Unite confirming that further strikes will now go ahead.

More than 1,900 bus drivers at Metroline and Stagecoach depots in Oldham, Stockport and Middleton are now set to walk out on 10, 11, 13, 18, 23 and 24 October.

Unite said it remains open to discussions with both companies, but warned that “more disruptive strike action will go ahead” unless new offers are made that meet members’ expectations.

Paul Townley, general manager for First Bus in Rochdale, said: “We would like to thank our Unite the Union colleagues for the constructive pay talks, which have resulted in an agreement being reached and the cancellation of planned industrial action by our drivers.

“Our services will continue to run as planned, which is great news for customers who rely on us to get to work, school and other important events and appointments.”

The ongoing dispute is part of a wider push by Unite to raise pay across the region’s public transport sector, especially among operators contracted under the Bee Network, the new integrated transport system rolling out across Greater Manchester.