THERE is hope the National Express West Midlands bus strikes could be resolved over the weekend with services getting back to normal on Monday, March 27.
The operator has improved its offer to Unite the union and the deal will be put in front of drivers over the weekend.
Bus users across Birmingham and Bromsgrove, including the 144A service, have been affected all week with a skeleton service, primarily focusing on travel to hospitals and other ‘need to get to’ areas.
The previous offer of 14.3 per cent with with increases to Christmas Eve pay, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay was rejected.
But that has now been increased to 16.2 per cent, a formalisation to existing interim overtime rates and increases to Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay.
A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be fully recommended to its members and will be balloted on Friday and Saturday.
“Subject to a positive ballot, we are intending to operate a reduced service from Sunday, March 26, and a normal service from Monday, March 27.”
The operator apologised to customers for the disruption this week.
The spokesperson added: “This is a very fair and decent offer – among the best pay rises of any sector, anywhere in the country.
“We encourage all our drivers to accept the offer and get the West Midlands moving again.”
Customers can stay up to date on the latest services operating by checking https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/service-updates/strike-action
