NATIONAL Express West Midlands has increased its pay rise offer by 2 per cent, hoping this new figure will put an end to the ongoing strikes.
The union, Unite the Union, will recommend taking the offer.
The transport operator had previously offered a 14.3 per cent pay increase, along with increases to Christmas Eve pay, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay.
That offer was rejected by drivers in a ballot and led to strikes, which began on Monday 20 March.
The new offer sees a 16.2 per cent pay increase, formalising existing interim overtime rates, increasing 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 26 March and a normal service from Monday 27 March. We are very sorry 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.”
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