Bus drivers accept latest pay offer

Bus drivers on the Isle of Man have accepted the latest government pay offer in a dispute over pay and conditions.

It comes after drivers staged a 10-day walkout at the end of February, followed by strikes lasting four days over each weekend in March.

A ballot of Unite members was held this week following an eighth offer made by the Department of Infrastructure, which has now been accepted. No further details about the offer have been shared.

In a joint statement, both parties said the new agreement "secures an improved pay position for drivers and provides a basis for stability moving forward".

Services on the island are funded by the government, and are operated by the infrastructure department as Bus Vannin.

The dispute revolved around allowances paid for drivers working unsociable shifts - with the union calling for "parity" with other public service workers in the uplifts paid for Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Offers made in February included an increased consolidated weekday rate, removing the shift allowance, along with an additional £1.20 per hour on Saturdays and £2.20 on Sundays - all of which the union said included changes to terms and conditions.

Unite representative Debbie Halsall said the outcome of the latest negotiations "delivers a clear improvement on pay" and "reflects the strength of feeling by members".

"Whilst for some this is a bittersweet moment it is important this now provides a stable footing to move forward," she added.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said: "I welcome the resolution of this dispute and the opportunities it offers for everyone at Bus Vannin and the travelling public."

The government and union both said they "acknowledge the impact the dispute has had and thank passengers for their patience".

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