Arriva have today made a further and final offer to drivers in an attempt to stop Christmas chaos for commuters.
Speaking of the offer, Phil Stone, MD for Arriva North West: “Arriva tabled a further improved and final offer for our drivers at a meeting with UNITE and GMB today [17th November]. We have listened to the Union and responded positively by offering a one year pay deal that ensures the hourly rates of all our drivers remains highly competitive within the industry.
“The offer for Merseyside is 2.6% rising to 3% after 6 months. This is now the fourth improved pay offer that Arriva has made since commencement of the strike action. It is a fair pay deal for our drivers, and one that importantly ensures the long-term sustainability of the business going forward.
“In the interests of our drivers and our customers, we have recommended that the union undertakes a confidential postal ballot for the membership facilitated by ACAS, the costs of which Arriva will cover. But the Union have declined this, and have confirmed they will be doing a consultative ballot at each garage next week.
“The Union has planned 11 more days of disruption for our customers. We hope this generous pay offer will be accepted and bring an end to the strike action.”
Arriva North West buses confirmed that additional 24-hour industrial action, at this time, will go ahead throughout December. During these times there will be no planned Arriva bus services operating within Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Cheshire, except for services running out of Chester depot and services into Chester from Wrexham and Rhyl.
Customers with Arriva pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside on Monday 20th November will be able to use them on the Merseyrail network, and throughout the North West on corresponding Northern Rail routes. In addition to this, Arriva tickets will continue to be accepted on Stagecoach Quality Network Routes in Merseyside.
Arriva urges all customers to check one of the following outlets before they travel:
- Customers can follow Arriva on Twitter on @arrivanorthwest and Facebook @northwestarriva for further information about the services relating to the strike dates.
- Customers can also enquire about their local bus service by contacting Arriva North West customer services on 0344 800 44 11.
- Customers with pre-paid tickets travelling in Merseyside can check the Merseyrail website for route options: https://www.merseyrail.org/
- Customers can also check details about the Stagecoach Quality Network Routes on the Merseytravel website: https://www.merseytravel.gov.
uk/travelling-round/ timetables/pages/bus- timetables.aspx.
- Customers with pre-paid Arriva tickets travelling in the North West can check the Northern Rail website for route options: https://www.northernrailway.
co.uk/ ]
The next scheduled strike date is November 27, 2017.