Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and operators of bus franchise contracts in the region have agreed that drivers will benefit from a consolidated service length on the Bee Network for pay purposes, regardless of any moves between those employers.
The approach has been agreed with union Unite and will allow what TfGM says is drivers to move more easily between operators while retaining their overall years of service influence on pay rates.
As a result, under the Licence for Greater Manchester, drivers moving between franchised operators will not necessarily begin on a starter rate of pay at a new employer.
TfGM says that the position will increase the long-term attractiveness of becoming a bus driver on the Bee Network and will help “to nurture the next generation” of those.
Over 4,000 drivers are employed across the franchised network and the latest work builds upon existing efforts around terms and conditions, including adoption of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.
Speaking about the development, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says that it extends positive change in delivery of bus services to drivers, “who will benefit from this ‘one system’ approach, with the ability to build a long-term career in Greater Manchester.”
He believes that the Licence for Greater Manchester will help to retain existing drivers and attract new ones.
“I must thank Unite and other trade unions for their role in shaping not just this initiative, but the Bee Network itself, as well as the Transport Workforce Engagement Board, which proposed the Licence for Greater Manchester scheme.”
Operators delivering Bee Network services have welcomed the development. Metroline Manchester Regional CEO Patrick Sibley describes it as “a great opportunity for drivers in Greater Manchester that will help to attract new talent into the industry as well as supporting existing colleagues.”
Stagecoach Manchester Rob Jones adds that the Licence for Greater Manchester “is an important step forward to attract and retain drivers to the bus industry.”
Diamond Bus North West MD Matthew Rawlinson notes how it complements “significant improvements in driver pay and conditions made in recent years, restoring bus driving as a career to be proud of.”
