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Metroline Bus Drivers Strike Across Greater Manchester as Stagecoach, First Walkouts Paused

Revised pay offers reached in weekend talks are now being balloted by Unite members at two operators.

Overview

  • About 1,000 Metroline drivers at Sharston, Hyde Road, Ashton and Wythenshawe began a three-day walkout on 30 September after talks collapsed.
  • Industrial action at Stagecoach Manchester and First Bus Rochdale has been suspended while Unite ballots members on revised pay proposals.
  • Stagecoach says its offer would raise pay by almost 9% by April 2026, while Metroline cites an 8.8% increase over two years that Unite has rejected.
  • TfGM reports significant disruption focused on parts of south and east Greater Manchester, with around 130 routes not expected to operate over the next three days.
  • Unite has pre-announced further coordinated strike dates in October, with outcomes dependent on ongoing ballots and negotiations.