ARRIVA buses are back running across St Helens this morning after a strike by drivers was suspended following a pay offer that met their demands.

The GMB Union confirmed the move that has brought to an end the industrial action which had run for four weeks.

Bosses at the transport giant tabled a new deal of £15 per hour or an 11.1 per cent pay increase on Tuesday.

Union members had called for a fair pay rise in the face of spiralling inflation.

Industrial action was suspended while union members voted on the new deal, with the result expected on Friday.

Services resumed across St Helens and the rest of the North West this morning (Thursday).

The industrial action had divided opinion, with some passengers venting frustration at the action which caused major disruption to workers and families, but others expressing solidarity and admiration for the drivers sticking to their guns and demanding the rise.

The GMB statement

In a statement George Patterson, GMB organiser, said: “After weeks of unnecessary industrial action, Arriva bosses have finally come back with an offer that meets GMB members' expectations.

“Industrial action will now be suspended while members vote on this new deal.

“If they accept, the strike will be officially over.”

What Arriva has said

In a statement an Arriva spokesperson said: "Arriva North West is 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, 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.

"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 Thursday August 18 can be found online  at arrivabus.co.uk and via the Arriva journey planning."