Union chiefs back bonus offer for Olympic bus drivers

An offer of an Olympic bonus to bus workers in London is to be recommended for acceptance, raising hopes that more strikes can be averted.

Members of the Unite union walked out last month and were threatening another stoppage on July 24, just days before the opening ceremony.

An offer was made during talks between Unite and bus companies under the auspices of the conciliation service Acas, which will now be voted on by workers.

Unite regional secretary Peter Kavanagh said: "Following a London-wide strike and days of intensive negotiations, we now have an offer which Unite is recommending to London's bus workers. By standing together, London's bus workers got 20 London bus operators around a single negotiating table. We believe the offer is a fair one that recognises the work bus workers will be doing to keep London moving during the Olympics.

"Details of the offer will be put to workers over the coming days with a recommendation to accept and workplace ballots will be held on Tuesday 17 July."

The union, which has been seeking a bonus of £500 for each of its members, said it will publish details of the offer following the ballot result.

PA