The proposed one day strike on First South Yorkshire bus services in South Yorkshire on Monday 12th, 19th and 26th of October has today been called off by Unite the Union. Bus services will therefore run as normal. This also represents the case for the Olive Grove walkout, which is also suspended.

Further strikes have not been ruled out at this time by Unite, though there are no further strikes planned in the near future. Unite need to give an advanced warning of 7 days ahead of a planned strike. The new offers by First South Yorkshire will be out to ballot by the employees of First South Yorkshire and if rejected, this could lead to more strike action been undertaken in the near future.

The strike dates were to be the following:

• Monday 12th October
• Monday 19th October
• Monday 26th October

In addition to the 3 dates above, which would have affected all 3 depots at First South Yorkshire (Leger Way, Midland Road & Olive Grove), there was also 3 dates set for a strike by staff just at the Olive Grove depot, which would have occured on the following days:

• Thursday 15th October
• Friday 16th October
• Saturday 17th October

In today's negotiations, First has offered the following pay deal " which the Union has strongly recommended its members to accept to resolve all the South Yorkshire industrial relations disputes. This includes:

• To settle the outstanding accrued holiday issue at full rate (£9.13) this year in a lump-sum payment in December;
• A pay increase of 2.5% in April 2010;
  
• A one-off additional holiday in 2010/11 (as initially requested);
• Additional subsidies for staff canteens in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster.

Bob Hamilton, Managing Director of First South Yorkshire said, "I am happy that we have been able to negotiate with the Union and reach a compromise that is acceptable to both parties, pending ratification by local Union members.

"First South Yorkshire cannot afford a pay rise this year but has worked hard to deliver a good 2-year offer that means our passengers will avoid being inconvenienced by strike action on First buses. This package helps protect the business and our staff during these tough economic conditions.

"I am especially pleased that, during tough economic times, we have managed to prevent strikes that would have had major implications for a number of local businesses."

For further details please visit www.travelsouthyorkshire.com or www.firstmainline.co.uk

Thanks,
Staff at South Yorkshire Transport