Bus drivers with Abellio, who operate services across Richmond borough, have ended their long-running industrial action following a pay offer worth 18%.

The increase comes against the background of the difficulties that bus companies have in the capital of finding drivers to operate services.

The services effected by a series of strikes included the heavily used R68 and R70, as well as the H20, H25, H26, the 490 and 969, the 267 and 285, the 111.

Following a workplace ballot, the workers, who are members of Unite, accepted a pay increase that will see drivers with over two years' service being paid £18 an hour. This equates to a pay increase of 18 per cent on the basic rate.

The agreement also includes increases to all rates including overtime and rest day working.

Negotiations over the last few weeks also saw an increase to the rate for new starters, increased rates for Saturday/Sunday working.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is an important pay victory. Workers have stood firm and with the support of their union, Unite, they have secured a richly deserved pay increase.

"Unite's constant focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of our members is continuing to deliver increased pay awards for workers."

Crucially, a commitment to immediately negotiate a new scheduling agreement was also secured, including early agreement regarding scheduling rest breaks and start times in order to bring the dispute to an end.  

In addition to the pay increase, the union's campaign has resulted in one of Unite's reps being reinstated after they had initially been dismissed.

What the union is calling a 'pay victory' followed over 20 days of strike action beginning late last year to secure the pay increase.

Unite regional officer Guy Langston, said: "This pay deal could not have been secured without the hard work of Unite's reps and the commitment of its members. Unite will be looking to build on its increased industrial strength in future pay negotiations.

"The pay victory at Abellio is a further example of why those wanting better wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well."

Speaking last week, Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Abellio London, said: "This is the best deal we are going to get, and it's a very good deal.

"We want to ensure that bus driving is an attractive job and good, secure work. No-one should need to do overtime to pay their bills."