Stagecoach workers will vote on the new offer

The bus company has tabled an updated offer which could head off the threat of strike action by staff across Fife and Tayside.

It comes after “constructive discussions" with trade union Unite, and members. If accepted, the proposed new two-year deal would increase pay by an average of 7.5 per cent. Unite has recommended members accept it.

Douglas Robertson, managing director of Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We have had constructive discussions today with Unite.

“We are pleased to have put together positive pay packages for our people that are strongly supported by the union.

“Throughout our discussions, our priority has been to protect jobs, ensure our people who keep our communities connected are properly rewarded, and secure the long-term future of bus networks in east Scotland."

Earlier this month, Unite called for a “fair” pay deal based on the Retail Price Index inflation figure 3.8 per cent at July plus once per cent.

Stagecoach East had offered a 2.4 per cent pay rise backdated to the start of May.

That was overwhelmingly rejected by almost 600 bus workers which included drivers, engineering and administrative staff, and cleaners. They also backed strike action in support of their claim.

Stagecoach’s initial offer included new start drivers reaching full pay rate six months earlier, and a commitment to a further pay review for east Scotland employees in May 2022

It said the 2.4 per cent offer to staff at depots in Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Leven and St Andrews would see them get up to £633.33 more per year.

Dougie Maguire, Unite regional coordinator, said: “Unite’s members democratically make up their own minds whether any offer is good enough, and clearly told Stagecoach to go back and think again.

"We want to emphasise that our ambition has been to resolve this dispute amicably, and without our members having to take strike action.”

Meanwhile, planned strike action that was due to take place this week by Chesterfield bus staff has been suspended after they too received an improved pay offer.