Hundreds of Highlands and Islands bus drivers secure 'double digit' pay hike after strike threat

Stagecoach drivers in the Highlands and Islands have secured a “double digit” pay hike following talks with the company.

Unite Scotland announced on Monday that around 200 bus drivers had accepted a new pay package, after they had backed strike action following an “unacceptable” offer.

The new deal will see drivers receive a basic rise of around 7.5%, backdated from July 2024, in the first year, while the minimum hourly rate will increase from £12.98 to £14.28 in July 2025 – which is equivalent to a rise of over 10%.

Drivers will be further boosted by overtime rates rising by up to 5%, which for some will mean a double digit pay rise.

Overtime rates will rise from £16.50 to £17.50 in the second year of the deal.

Unite have said the deal ensures that the minimum hourly rate will amount to the real living wage plus an additional 3%.

It comes after bus drivers overwhelmingly backed strike action in October to secure an enhanced pay offer from Stagecoach Highlands, who provides bus services in Skye, Orkney, Inverness and surrounding areas.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully negotiated a pay deal at Stagecoach Highlands.

“Our members stood firm, and they were prepared to take strike action to get a better deal. Unite is once again, driving up jobs, pay and conditions across the bus industry in Scotland.”

Marc Jackson, Unite industrial officer said: “Through negotiations and our mandate for industrial action, we have shifted the company significantly from its original offer.

“Strike action has been avoided but this pay dispute should send a warning to the company that in the future they can’t take their workers for granted and they must be properly valued.”