Workers for bus company Go-Ahead have won a 10.5 per cent pay increase in South London, following union negotiations over the current rise in inflation.

The increase will benefit both drivers and engineers based in Bexleyheath, Camberwell, Croydon, Merton, Morden Wharf, New Cross, Orpington, Peckham, Putney, Stockwell, Sutton, Waterloo and Waterside Way.

“This is an important win for bus workers at Go-Ahead. ” said Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, the union responsible for the deal.

Bus drivers across the UK have been on strike several times this year, threatening industrial action over rising inflation levels meaning real-term pay cuts and working conditions.

Unite revealed that the deal with Go-Ahead London was agreed upon after intensive negotiations in hopes of avoiding industrial action.

The company oversees approximately a quarter of the buses in London, with 2,300 buses via 17 depots. Around 50 per cent of Go-Ahead London’s drivers are members of the union. 

“By being organised and fully prepared to face down management they have secured this pay increase – Unite’s commitment to prioritising the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is paying dividends and the pay deal at Go-Ahead is a clear example of the success of this strategy”, said Graham.

Go-Ahead London reportedly offered a nine per cent increase, but it was quickly rejected by the members of the union and with the threat of industrial action, the company redacted their initial offer and presented the union with the 10.5 per cent increase.

Unite’s regional officer Bruce Swan said: “Credit must go to our reps at Go-Ahead, whose hard work and dedication were critical to ensuring that a greatly improved pay deal was secured for members.”

The increase officially makes Go-Ahead bus drivers among the best-paid in London. According to Unite, this will benefit over 3,000 of its members.