Bus Strikes in Kent Called Off at Last Minute
Bus drivers in Kent have called off planned strikes set for the end of this week. Arriva drivers were due to walk out for three days starting Wednesday in a heated pay dispute.
Union Suspends Action After New Pay Offer
The Unite South East Region union has suspended the strikes after reaching a new pay deal with Arriva Kent and Medway. Drivers will now vote on whether to accept the latest offer.
Neither party has disclosed the full details, but sources reveal drivers asked for a 12.3% pay rise, with a potential new rate of around £14 per hour on the table.
Strike Suspension Limited for Now
The industrial action affecting depots in Northfleet, Gillingham, Maidstone, and Tunbridge Wells is officially “suspended” until the ballot results are in. Unite expects to have an answer by the weekend.
Janet Nobbs, Unite regional officer, said: “Following fresh talks, a further pay offer was made by Arriva. As an act of goodwill, the strikes scheduled for this week have been suspended while workers are balloted.”
However, next week’s planned full five-day strike, from Monday to Friday, remains on the table for now.
