Bus strikes are over as First Bus has reached an agreement with Unite the Union.

Drivers at the Hoeford depot in Fareham are celebrating a significant pay rise after the company made a new offer following a period of industrial action.

Unite the Union members across the south coast had taken part in 32 days of strikes involving more than 140 drivers and supervisors before First Bus made a new offer.

READ MORE: Unite the Union says First Bus 'sees sense' with pay offer

First returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer that was accepted by Unite members following a ballot, the union said.

(Image: Unite the Union)

The new deal sees a revised anniversary date and drivers receive a seven per cent increase in pay.

This includes a 5.5 per cent increase in headline pay backdated to August 2024 and an increase in overtime rates.

In August this year they will get a further 1.5 per cent and a further increase in overtime pay. The pay anniversary has also been shifted to now be annually in February.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has hailed the agreement as a 'victory'.

She said: "Our members at First Bus should be congratulated on achieving a decent pay increase after prolonged industrial action against an intransigent employer.

"By staying strong and being willing to take to the picket line they have been victorious and showed the power of their union."

Simon Goff, Managing Director at First Bus South said: “We are pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Unite the Union at our Hoeford depot. Colleagues will feel the benefit of this new deal as soon as possible, with the new rates of pay applicable from March 16, as well as back pay.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding throughout our determined efforts to end this dispute.” 

First Bus drivers in Slough have received an almost identical offer which has also been accepted, which the union says has avoided the need for any industrial action there.

(Image: Unite the Union)

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Unite regional officer Ian Woodland added: "First Bus has seen sense and come back with an offer that is now acceptable to our members. They've also extended the same pay award to colleagues in Slough.

“Drivers do a skilled and stressful job and these were some of the lowest paid in the region so it is right and proper that their hard work is being rewarded by a company making millions.

"Members should be congratulated for being willing to take to the picket line and staying strong - another victory for Unite."