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National Express bus drivers end strike after accepting pay rise

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BNN Correspondents
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Over 3,000 bus drivers at National Express West Midlands have ended their strike action after voting to accept a 16.2% pay rise, according to the Unite union.

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The pay rise offer is above inflation, and Unite says it is an important win for its members. The union had been negotiating with the transport company over wages and terms and conditions for over a year.

The strike had caused major disruption to bus services in the region, with thousands of commuters affected. However, the two sides were able to reach an agreement after National Express West Midlands made a new pay offer that was accepted by the union.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, said that the agreement was a significant victory for its members. She added that the drivers had secured a pay offer that was above inflation, and that the deal also guaranteed the implementation of new terms and conditions that had been agreed upon last year.

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A spokesperson for National Express West Midlands expressed pleasure at the outcome of the vote and apologized to customers for the disruption caused by the strike action.

The company said that it was committed to working with the union to ensure that the interests of both drivers and customers were taken into account.

The strike at National Express West Midlands is just one of many industrial actions that have taken place in recent months in response to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. Inflation in the UK has risen to 10.4% in February, prompting the Bank of England to keep a close eye on pay settlements as it considers any further interest rate rises.

The resolution of the National Express West Midlands strike is a welcome development for commuters and workers alike, and will hopefully help to prevent further disruptions to bus services in the region.

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