PLANNED strike action by workers of First Bus been called off after staff secured a pay deal.
Around 50 cleaners, fuellers and shunters at the Caledonia, Scotstoun, Blantyre and Overtown depots were preparing to walk out after voting in favour of industrial action earlier this month.
The dispute centred on demands for a pay rise to bring the workers into line with other bargaining groups, including drivers.
Unite the union confirmed that strike action scheduled to take place between January 13 and 17 was suspended after First Bus made a last-minute improved offer.
The enhanced five per cent deal was subsequently put to a ballot and overwhelmingly backed by Unite’s membership.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members have secured a pay win at First Glasgow after standing firm.
"It was only the threat of strike action which ensured the company came back to the negotiating table with an enhanced offer. Unite continues to drive up the jobs, pay and conditions of bus workers.”
The workers play a critical role in keeping the company's fleet operational, carrying out cleaning, refuelling and re-charging of buses.
Unite had previously warned that without these staff, buses could be taken off the roads for safety, cleanliness and charging reasons, leading to widespread disruption.
Earlier this month, Unite accused First Glasgow of “penny pinching” despite strong financial performance.
The union highlighted profits of £14.1 million at First Glasgow No.1 in March 2024 and £11.2 million at First Glasgow No.2 in March 2025, describing the company as “extremely profitable”.
Unite industrial officer Graham McNab said: “We are pleased that the pay dispute has been successfully resolved.
"First Glasgow ultimately had to listen to the workers who simply wanted a fair and reasonable pay offer which they got in the end after showing the company that they were fully prepared to fight to get it.”
Prior to the deal being agreed, First Bus had said it was confident services would not be affected by any industrial action and pointed to an earlier offer of an 8.4 per cent increase over two years.
However, Unite maintained that the affected workers were the lowest paid within the First Group and deserved a settlement in line with other roles.
With the new pay deal now agreed, Unite has confirmed that strike action is off and services will continue as normal.
Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “We are pleased that bus workers and cleaners at our Glasgow depots voted to accept our pay offer.
“We have always committed to working with Unite to agree a settlement and are delighted to finally be able to award a pay increase to this valued group of staff.
“We will now continue to focus on providing an excellent service and journey experience for our customers across the city, such as the launch this week of Glasgow’s first 24-hour bus service on our 77 route.”
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