Bus strike over pay row suspended

London bus workers have called off a 24-hour strike planned for Friday, Transport for London has said.

Bus drivers' union Unite had said 3,000 of its members, employed by the operator First in east and west London, would walk out.

The dispute was over a 4.25% pay rise offer, which Unite said was lower than elsewhere in London.

The decision to suspend the strike came after day-long talks between Unite and First.

The union had planned a series of strikes in the run-up to Christmas.

A Transport for London spokesperson said: "The First 24-hour bus strike planned for Friday 7 December has been suspended.

"Talks are ongoing between First and the trade unions, Unite and TSSA (Transport Salaried Staffs Association), and it is hoped they will reach an agreement."

The union had threatened to go on strikes on 8, 14, 15, 16, 24 and 25 December.