MORE than 1300 drivers for First Glasgow are set to receive a huge pay increase over the next two years.

Drivers who are members of Unite the Union accepted the latest pay deal after months of talks and possibility of strike action. Over the next two years, the deal will deliver pay rises of between six and 21.5% depending on length of service.

Drivers who are currently on the second year of service, receiving £10.70 per hour will now receive £11 per hour from August next year and from October next year, this will rise to £13 per hour.

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They will also see an improvement in rotas, unpaid break times and a shorter working week including a 12 hour minimum shift.

First has also agreed to pay drivers £300 as a thank you payment. It is understood the company will also invest in training and recruiting drivers.

The union claims they have been highlighting the mass exodus from the industry which has had knock-on impact on passenger services.

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Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The inflation busting pay deal for many of our drivers in First Glasgow is industry leading. Unite has been working hard over a number of months to secure the best possible result. We are determined to improve the job, pay and conditions of our members, and this pay deal should be a benchmark for all other bus companies to follow.”

Wendy Dunsmore, Unite industrial officer, said: “We are delighted to get this pay deal over the line with First Glasgow. It will ensure a substantial pay rise for many of our members over the next two years.

"We are particularly pleased that through our negotiations it will now take a driver two years to reach the top pay band instead of five. In addition, we have secured a commitment from First Glasgow to implement a shorter working week along with a recruitment and retention drive to ensure that we jointly address the driver shortages being experienced across Glasgow.”