Bus drivers in Reading are set to benefit from what has been described as a ‘substantial’ 8% pay increase this October.
The deal, which will be a huge gain for a total of around 500 employees at Reading Buses, is said to have been agreed by the company in ‘record time.’
Whilst the majority of employees are bus drivers, who can expect to earn a basic £33,000 a year, office staff, engineers and cleaners will also benefit from the pay increase.
Some drivers will also earn more than this with increments for evening, night time and weekend working as well as the availability of overtime.
Said Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer: “With inflation having been at such high levels, and our employees playing such a significant role in the community both now and during the pandemic, we felt it was right to reflect this as best we can with our annual pay review this year, and propose a deal that couldn’t be refused.”
Negotiations that usually take months were completed in less than a week meaning the company can continue focusing on developing improvements to its routes and ticketing in the coming months.
Robert added: “Bus driving is already a well-paid role that is ideal for people who like working with people. As one of the largest employers in Reading, we regularly have vacancies to fill.
“Our drivers are well known for being a cut-above the rest and we want to keep it that way.”
Said Kevin Walters, Branch Secretary for Unite the Union: “We are very happy that the company has acknowledged that with rising costs and inflation our members need security of a pay award that at the very least matches current inflation rates.
“By coming to the table with a good offer at the start it has allowed us to get approval from our members in the first round of voting which is exactly how it should be.”