By KLTV Newsdesk –

The planned bus strikes in Huddersfield have been called off after First West Yorkshire drivers secured an improved pay deal worth nearly 16 per cent.

The agreement was reached following negotiations between Unite, the UK’s leading trade union, and the bus operator.

Around 170 drivers had been set to strike over concerns that their wages were lagging behind those of their colleagues in other regions.

However, the new pay deal will see their hourly wage rise to £15 earlier than originally proposed.

Additionally, the deal’s duration has been reduced from two and a half years to two years, ensuring incremental increases occur over a shorter period.

Under the revised agreement, drivers’ wages will be increased to £15 an hour, backdated to September 2024.

They will also receive a one-off payment of £200. By April 2025, full-time employees’ pay will rise by 15.76 per cent, equating to an increase of over £4,000 per year.

‘Excellent Pay Deal’

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the drivers for their determination, stating: “Congratulations to First West Yorkshire’s Huddersfield drivers who won this excellent pay deal by being prepared to take strike action.

This is exactly what Unite does: deliver improved jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

As a result of the agreement, planned strike action set for later in February and early March has been cancelled.

Unite regional officer Darren Rushworth emphasised the importance of union solidarity, saying: “This pay victory is another reminder that those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too – there is power in a union.”