THERE are hopes the Arriva bus strike is nearing an end after the company made a renewed pay offer to drivers.
The industrial action taken by the drivers is now into its fourth week, but Arriva announced on Friday (August 12) unions would be balloting their members on whether to accept it.
That process is taking place today (Monday) and Tuesday and if it returns a favourable outcome, buses could be back in service by Wednesday (August 17).
The strike began on Wednesday, July 20, meaning buses will have been off the roads for a total of four weeks.
Just last week, the Guardian spoke to one Winsford-based driver who called on the public to back the striking workers as their action over pay entered week four.
A spokesman for Arriva said: “Following re-convened pay negotiations, Arriva has tabled an improved offer that has enabled UNITE the Union and GMB to ballot members on this offer.
“The ballot will take place on Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, 16.
“All parties are working hard to bring the industrial action to a conclusion with the desire to resume service on Wednesday, August 17.”
The renewed offer came after Arriva was criticised by a union boss for making “trifling offers” to its members.
George Patterson, GMB regional organiser, speaking before the latest offer was tabled, said: “Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation.
“We need to see serious shifts from Arriva or bus drivers will have no choice but to strike.
“We approached these negotiations in good faith.
“Trifling offers from Arriva simply aren’t good enough.”
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