Unite the union has won a significant pay victory for bus controllers working for Transport UK in south west London it announced yesterday (14 May).

Following a 'hard-fought battle' including extended strike action, the controllers have won a pay rise of 12 per cent including an eight per cent rise backdated to January 2023 and a further four per cent for this year.

Bus controllers use sophisticated technology to control the bus network, ensuring buses run on time and avoid heavy traffic or accidents.

Controllers at Transport UK were unhappy about earning less than their counterparts at other operators.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a good victory for our members and one that is no less than they deserve following extensive industrial action.

"They should be congratulated on achieving this pay increase and showing once again that Unite is the winning union in transport and the power of belonging to a union."

Unite regional officer Maxine Loza added: "Bus controllers do a highly skilled job and one they should be paid properly for.

"It was disappointing that our members were forced to take to the picket line to get a fair day's pay so they should be praised for the dedication and resolve they showed during this dispute.

"Unite had their backs the whole time and we achieved the pay rise they deserved."

Previously, bus controllers from Unite were going to strike in Battersea and Twickenham beginning on 8 May.

A Transport UK spokesperson has told Nub News: "We are pleased that the strikes planned by Unite for May for our bus Controller and Officials staff groups within Transport UK London Bus have been cancelled.

"After further negotiations we now have an offer that is recommended for acceptance by Unite"

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