Workers will be balloted on new pay offers from First

16:55, 02 Sep 2025Updated 17:19, 02 Sep 2025

A general image of a bus in Bristol(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

Widespread bus chaos in Bristol has been averted this week as strikes involving 1,000 drivers are “halted”. Unite the union has confirmed that a strike by 400 drivers in the region, working for First West of England’s Badgerline, has been suspended pending another ballot.

The latest announcement comes as a separate but related strike, affecting six hundred workers on First’s City Line services, was also suspended by the same union earlier today (Monday, September 1).

Both actions have been paused following improved pay offers from the employer, Unite reports. The Badgerline strikes would have hit depots at Bristol Marlborough Street, Bath, Wells and Weston-Super-Mare.

The five-day action was due to commence this Thursday (September 4) but Unite has confirmed this afternoon (September 2) that this will not go ahead. A spokesperson said: “The first wave of strikes from September 4 to September 8 has been halted so Unite members can be balloted on the new pay offer over the coming days.”

Unite regional officer Ken Fish reiterated: “Following an improved offer from the employer, Unite has suspended industrial action due to take place later this week so workers can be balloted on this.”

Together, the strikes would have involved more than 1,000 drivers from six separate depots. Industrial action was initially announced on August 22, when Unite regional officer Amy Roberts implored First Bus to come back to the table with a better offer for all drivers.

“While the situation will be frustrating for passengers, our members have no choice but to take industrial action to make their voices heard,” she said. “First West of England could still stop this disruption by coming back to the table with a meaningful pay offer.”

At the time, Doug Claringbold, the Managing Director for First Bus in the West of England, said the company was “disappointed” and urged Unite to continue talks. In a new statement issued this evening, he said: “We are pleased that the union has decided to suspend its planned strikes between September 4 and 8 in the West of England while its members consider our new pay offer.

“We have always committed to working with Unite to try and settle this dispute to avoid unnecessary disruption to customers. We hope for a favourable outcome so we’re able to keep our buses on the road and continue serving our customers.”