Bus workers handed new pay deal

Three weekends of strike action have been planned

Hundreds of bus company staff planning to strike over three weekends leading up to Christmas have been offered an improved pay deal.

It was made to members of the Unite T&G union from First Bus in Aberdeen following talks with the conciliation service Acas on Monday.

The union said its members would consider the offer.

Hundreds of workers had previously voted for action over pay, with the first strike due on Saturday.

Two further 48-hour strikes had been scheduled.

A pay rise of 3.7% from First Bus to its drivers, cleaning staff and engineering staff had previously been rejected.

George Mair, managing director of First in Aberdeen, said the offer "shows just how committed we are to resolving this issue and minimising any potential disruption to our passengers".

Unite T&G north east organiser Tommy Campbell said: "The strike is planned for the weekend and it will be our members over the next 48 hours that will determine whether they find this slightly revised offer acceptable or not."