Arriva Yorkshire strike suspended as workers promise to return this weekend

Unite the Union has announced the strike will be suspended and all 650 members of staff will return to work on Saturday, July 2.

The trade union said they will return to work while members vote on Arriva Yorkshire’s new pay offer, but if that offer is rejected the strike will resume.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the announcement will "come as a great relief" to the thousands of passengers who rely on Arriva Yorkshire services.

It comes after workers at depots across Yorkshire walked out on June 6 and Unite said they were protesting against the company’s “pitiful offer of a 4.1 per cent pay increase” during the cost of living crisis.

All services were cancelled and no end date for the strike was set. Union officials and Arriva Yorkshire representatives have met several times in recent weeks, but failed to reach an agreement.

Unite regional officer Phil Bown said: “Arriva has come forward with an offer which our members will now be balloted on.

“While the ballot is being undertaken and as an act of goodwill Unite has suspended its strike action.”

Gavin Peace, Area Operating Director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “It is fantastic news that we have reached an agreement with Unite and from this Saturday, we can start to reinstate bus services across Yorkshire.

"This has been an incredibly difficult four weeks and I apologise for the distress industrial action has caused. I look forward to welcoming the Arriva Yorkshire team back into our depots where together, we will focus on delivering sustainable bus services for our local communities."

Arriva Yorkshire previously offered the majority of workers a pay rise of between 8.2 per cent and 12.7 per cent, which would raise the top rate to £13.15 an hour, but it was not accepted by Unite.

The trade union has refused to reveal details on the latest pay offer.

Ms Brabin said: "I’m relieved that Arriva and Unite have been able to reach an agreement that can be put to members.

"I’m sure that this news will also come as a great relief to the thousands of people who use and rely on Arriva services to get to and from work and education every day.

“I hope we can now see services return to normal as quickly as possible from Saturday, July 2.

“I look forward to working with all of the operators, drivers and depot staff to deliver the step-change in services we need to help West Yorkshire’s economy grow.”