Arriva buses are set to return to the roads after 29 days of strikes ended.
Services across Merseyside were heavily disrupted by the continuous walkouts staged by drivers over a proposed 8.5% pay offer from the transport giant.
Strike action had been expected to continue after members overwhelmingly rejected Arriva’s previous offer, believed to fall below the requested 11%.
But a breakthrough was finally reached between Arriva bosses and the Unite and GMB unions, who are representing the striking workers, on Wednesday.
The public transport operator’s new offer, worth £15 per hour, represents a 11.1% increase that will signal an end to the strikes if approved by members.
Pending a vote by union members, buses are set to return to the region’s roads again from 3am on Thursday, following almost a month of inaction.
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Following our members’ very strong rejection of the company’s offer yesterday evening, Arriva have seen sense and met the demands of our members by tabling an 11.1 per cent pay deal. Unite’s negotiating team is recommending the offer be accepted and it is being put to members in a vote.
“The strike is suspended pending the outcome of the ballot and drivers are to return to work tomorrow to serve the needs of the community and public.
“The determination and resolve of our members has been solid throughout the industrial action and we thank those who have provided support and assistance to secure the offer from the company.”