Stagecoach's north east bus drivers win 10% pay hike after negotiations

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s Stagecoach drivers have won a 10% pay hike following talks with the company.

Unite Scotland announced on Tuesday that around 270 Stagecoach Bluebird bus drivers in the north east voted to accept the deal, which will increase pay over the next 18 months.

Negotiations were led by Unite shop stewards amid reports of drivers leaving the industry to seek better paying jobs.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “This 10% wage deal for our Stagecoach Bluebird drivers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is an excellent result for Unite’s members and a testament to the work of our reps.

“We are determined to improve the jobs, pay and conditions of our members in the bus industry and this win shows that workers get results when they’re in Unite.”

John Clark, Unite industrial officer, said: “We are delighted to secure this inflation-busting pay deal for our drivers at Bluebird Stagecoach in the North East.

“A massive thank you must go to the Unite shop stewards who were doggedly determined to get the best possible deal for our members.”

A Stagecoach Bluebird spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Unite for staff across the North-east of Scotland for the period from April 2022 to October 2023.

“Our people do a fantastic job in delivering vital transport connections for local people. We are committed to working with our trade unions to reach agreements that are in the collective best interests of our people, our customers, the bus network, and the long-term future of the company that supports the jobs of our employees.”