Transport for Greater Manchester workers have accepted a new pay and parental leave deal, cancelling planned industrial action just days before the region’s historic bus network takeover.

Some 62.5 percent of Unite and UNISON members voted to accept the offer, which includes pay rises up to 8.9 percent for the lowest-paid staff and an overhaul of parental leave policies. The agreement ends a dispute that saw around 200 workers walk out for several days in mid-December.

The industrial action was suspended after Mayor Andy Burnham and TfGM chief executive Caroline Simpson held face-to-face talks with union representatives and issued what they called a “full and final” offer. Workers returned to work Monday as normal following the ballot results.

“By standing together and being prepared to take action, UNISON and Unite members at TfGM have won an improved deal on pay, maternity and adoption pay, paternity pay, family friendly policies, standby and callout payments and equal pay gaps,” a union spokesperson said. “Members expect TfGM to deliver on its commitment to work with the unions on further improvements to bring family friendly policies up to an acceptable standard over the next few months.”

Steve Warrener, TfGM’s managing director, said the organization “listened to our staff and came up with a package to ensure TfGM remains a rewarding place to work, with everyone paid above the Real Living Wage and those on the lowest salaries receiving the biggest pay rises.”

The resolution clears the way for January 5, when every Greater Manchester bus will come under public control for the first time in 40 years - what Burnham has called the “biggest change yet to our public transport.” A tap-in and tap-out system will follow in March across both buses and trams.

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