London bus staff might call off strike on 24 July

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London bus workers might not strike on 24 July as a “confidential offer” has been made for working during the Olympics.

A 24-hour strike hit the capital last month after London bus workers demanded a £500 bonus to work during the Games. The union warned that it’ll increase its bonus call by £100 each time there is a strike.

However, planned strikes on 5 July were called off after the union and bus companies reached a consensus at conciliation service Acas.

John Woods, Acas deputy chief conciliator, said: “Following six days of negotiations, talks between the London bus companies and Unite have reached a conclusion. An offer has been made, the details of which Unite will be reporting back to its representatives. The details of the offer remain confidential.”

Separately, talks to avert train strikes are also yielding an agreement.

Southern Trains employees and Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) members have voted in favour of an Olympics deal which will see all staff receiving a basic payment of £300 with an additional £28 per day available for a holiday and working Sunday each. Train staff will also get £50 for additional late night shifts.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT is delighted that we have been able to secure a fair Olympics deal on Southern trains which recognises the additional pressures on staff throughout the games period.”

However, the union is still in dispute with South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western over the Olympic bonus.

“We cannot have a situation where some rail staff are being properly rewarded for Olympics working and others are being dealt a slap round the face and we would hope that those companies where we are in dispute will see the sense in concluding agreements that are fair and sensible,” Crow added.