National Express West Midlands has improved its offer to Unite the union which the union will recommend with a view to ending the bus strikes

The transport operator had previously offered a 14.3% pay increase, along with increases to Christmas Eve pay, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay.

That offer was rejected by drivers in a ballot and led to strikes, which began on Monday 20 March.

The new offer sees a 16.2% pay increase, formalising existing interim overtime rates, increasing Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day pay and accident pay. A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said:

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Unite that is going to be fully recommended to its members and will be balloted on Friday and Saturday.

“Subject to a positive ballot, we are intending to operate a reduced service from Sunday 26 March and a normal service from Monday 27 March. We are very sorry to customers for the disruption this week.

“This is a very fair and decent offer - among the best pay rises of any sector, anywhere in the country. We encourage all our drivers to accept the offer and get the West Midlands moving again.”

Customers can stay up to date on the latest services operating by checking nxbus.co.uk.