Bus strikes called off

Unite the Union has confirmed following a further ballot held yesterday that bus drivers have voted in favour of accepting a revised offer.

The strike action planned by bus drivers next week has been called off.

Unite the Union has confirmed following a further ballot held yesterday that bus drivers have voted in favour of accepting a revised offer from the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and against striking on 5 and 6 July.

It would have caused disruption on the Island's national day on Tuesday and for thousands of school children on Wednesday.

Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said: 'The sticking point was over the level of sick pay and I am pleased bus drivers have decided to accept the revised offer and I look forward to buses running as normal next week whilst the Department and Union finalise the terms and conditions that will allow us to move forward.

The solution has been reached not by increasing the amount of compensation paid but by both parties agreeing on what changes can be made and what the value of those changes are.'