BUS DRIVERS in Glasgow are currently in "progressive talks" over a pay rise after it was revealed workers would be invited to vote for strikes.

Around 1300 First Glasgow employees were invited to ballot for industrial action next month after an "unacceptable" pay rise offer from the employer. 

Drivers had been anticipating a rise last year, however, negotiations stalled due to Covid-19. It was expected that the rise would be rescheduled for April this year. 

READ MORE: Over 1000 bus drivers in Glasgow vote to strike over 'poverty pay rise'

Now, First Glasgow has confirmed that pay negotiations are progressing with Unite the union as the two have agreed on a new starter rate of £11 per hour.

Glasgow Times:

Pay talks for existing staff at the firm remain ongoing. 

Duncan Cameron, interim managing director for First Glasgow, said: “First Glasgow would like to put on record our thanks to our Unite the Union colleagues for some progressive talks on driver pay. We have collectively agreed that talks will resume later this week where we hope to progress further.

“We have now agreed a new starter rate of £11 per hour which has now come into effect and talks in regard to pay and progress for existing staff are ongoing. We are hopeful of reaching an agreeable solution in the near future.”

The trade union previously warned that due to low pay and shift work, driver shortages were becoming "endemic" throughout the industry. 

In one depot, the firm offered its staff a three-year pay deal which would have seen an increase of 44 pence per hour - which members of Unite rejected. 

Mick Dowds, Unite convenor First Glasgow said: "After our Unite members rejected the company's first pay offer we met today with the company for further discussions.

"Our negotiating committee raised our members' feedback and concerns and we believe the company took on board our points in a very positive and progressive manner - both sides showed a willingness to get a resolution that will meet the aspirations of the workforce."