‘Substantial’ pay increase at Reading Buses

Bus drivers in Reading are set to benefit from what has been described as a ‘substantial’ 8% pay increase this October.

The deal for the approximate 500 employees at Reading Buses is said to have been agreed by the company in ‘record time.’ While the majority of employees are bus drivers, who can expect to earn a basic £33,000 a year, office staff, engineers and cleaners will also benefit from the pay increase. Some drivers will also earn more than this with increments for evening, night time and weekend working as well as the availability of overtime.

“Our drivers are well known for being a cut-above the rest and we want to keep it that way” – Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer

Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, said: “With inflation having been at such high levels, and our employees playing such a significant role in the community both now and during the pandemic, we felt it was right to reflect this as best we can with our annual pay review this year, and propose a deal that couldn’t be refused.”

Negotiations that usually take months were completed in less than a week.

Robert added: “Bus driving is already a well-paid role that is ideal for people who like working with people. As one of the largest employers in Reading, we regularly have vacancies to fill.

“Our drivers are well known for being a cut-above the rest and we want to keep it that way.”

“We are very happy that the company has acknowledged that with rising costs and inflation our members need security of a pay award that at the very least matches current inflation rates” – Kevin Walters, Branch Secretary for Unite the Union

Kevin Walters, Branch Secretary for Unite the Union, said: “We are very happy that the company has acknowledged that with rising costs and inflation our members need security of a pay award that at the very least matches current inflation rates.

“By coming to the table with a good offer at the start it has allowed us to get approval from our members in the first round of voting which is exactly how it should be.”