AS OF TODAY, a pay deal has been agreed by bus driver union reps amidst on going strike action. 

Arriva North West have confirmed that all parties have come to an agreement on an 'unprecedented pay deal' for drivers, meaning strike action from August 18 will now be suspended.  

A spokesperson from the organisation said: "Arriva North West is today able to confirm that following ongoing discussions in recent weeks, all parties have come to an agreement on an unprecedented pay deal for Arriva North West drivers.

"Following a meeting today, in which the agreement was reached, Unions will now take this recommended offer to our colleagues.

"Furthermore, it has also been agreed that industrial action across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside will be suspended from 3am on Thursday August 18 and all parties will now work together to progress the pay offer.

READ MORE: Round-up of strikes breaking out across the country

"Arriva would like to thank our customers across the North West region, for your continued patience in recent weeks, during the extremely challenging Strike period. Timetable and Journey information, for Arriva North West services returning on August 18 can be found online at arrivabus.co.uk and via the Arriva journey planning," they said. 

The dispute came after the recent pay offer was overwhelmingly rejected by union members.

Over three-quarters of drivers voted to reject the deal.

Prior to the acceptance of the new pay deal, George Patterson, GMB regional organiser, said: "Working people are facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation. These drivers are fighting for a fair pay rise to help them through it.

"We need something better from Arriva. Bus drivers need to know that they’ll be able to cover their bills.

"We won’t stop fighting for our members to get the decent pay they deserve," he said. 

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