Huddersfield bus drivers strike paused after pay negotiations

Bus drivers in Huddersfield are set to strike over pay disparities, with industrial action scheduled from February 3 to 16 and again from February 24 to March 9, affecting around 170 drivers employed by First Bus. The Unite union claims the proposed pay deal, which would have increased wages to £15.43 an hour by April 2025, is insufficient compared to drivers in other regions who earn more than £15 an hour. Union officials argue that the offer ties drivers to a lengthy agreement that would leave their pay lagging behind over the next two years. First Bus has described its pay proposal as generous, stating it represents a 15.5% increase, significantly above current inflation. However, the union contends that drivers have been underpaid for nearly a year and demands a fair pay deal. The ongoing dispute is expected to cause significant disruption to local bus services as the strikes proceed.