Disruption across Stagecoach West bus services halted as driver strikes suspended

Proposed disruption to bus services across the west of Scotland throughout May have been halted after plans for Stagecoach drivers to strike were suspended.

Pay talks broke down between Unite the Union members and the firm after staff rejected a 4% pay offer earlier this month.

Initial strike dates were set for Friday, May 2, Tuesday, May 6, Friday, May 9, Monday, May 12, Friday, May 16, Monday, May 19 and Friday, May 23.

The union had said that despite ongoing talks, drivers operating out of depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan, Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer, were not presented with an improved offer.

However, on Tuesday Stagecoach said strikes had been suspended and its network will continue to operate to their full timetable.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “Following the suspension of all notified strike dates by Unite, we can confirm that our network of services will continue to operate to their full timetable, including on Friday, May 2 2025 and Tuesday May 6, 2025.

“We welcome Unite’s commitment to return to talks, and we remain dedicated to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across West Scotland.”

Dougie Maguire Unite regional coordinator said: “Unite can confirm that the forthcoming strike action involving over 500 drivers at Stagecoach West Scotland is suspended.”

“Following our threat to seek an interim interdict against the company on the grounds of preventing discrimination against our members for trade union activities, the company has now withdrawn their threat of cancelling the drivers’ annual leave entitlement.”

“Unite remains utterly focused on getting our members a fairer pay offer from Stagecoach West Scotland, and we are always ready to negotiate a resolution to the pay dispute on this basis.”