Almost 600 Unite members were due to take industrial action
Kirstie McCrum Network Content Editor
19:00, 01 Sep 2025
The first period of planned industrial action by First Bus drivers was due to start this week (file photo)(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
A strike of bus drivers in Bristol was postponed today (Monday) after bus company First West of England reportedly made a new pay offer. Industrial action was mooted as a possibility last month involving almost 600 members of the Unite union.
Bus drivers at First West of England’s City Line who operate out of the inner city Lawrence Hill and Hengrove bus depots were due to walk out in a show of industrial action following the dispute about pay. Unite said, following negotiations between the employer and the union, an improved offer had been made.
Thanks to the change in circumstances, the first period of planned industrial action which was due to run from this Thursday, September 4 to September 8 has been suspended. Unite will be balloting the workers on this offer over the coming days.
Unite regional officer Ken Fish said: “Following an improved offer from First West of England City Line, Unite has suspended industrial action due to take place later this week so workers can have their say.”
Last month, Doug Claringbold, the Managing Director for First Bus in the West of England, said the company was “disappointed” that employees had been balloted for industrial action while negotiations on their part were continuing.
BristolLive has contacted First West of England regarding the postponement of the planned action.