First Bus Engineers in Greater Glasgow Secure 13.3% Pay Increase.

In a significant development for Scotland's transport sector, engineers at First Bus depots across Greater Glasgow have secured a 13.3% pay increase, following successful negotiations led by Unite the Union. The deal, backdated to April 2025, translates to an average wage rise of £9,700 over 18 months for the approximately 150 engineers involved. This agreement marks a notable victory for the workers, who have long advocated for compensation that reflects their essential role in maintaining the region's bus services. 

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, hailed the agreement as a benchmark for the industry, emphasising the union's commitment to securing fair pay for its members. The engineers, based at depots including Blantyre, Caledonia, Dumbarton, Overtown, and Scotstoun, had previously expressed concerns over stagnant wages amid rising living costs. The successful negotiation averts potential industrial action, ensuring continued maintenance and reliability of bus operations in the Greater Glasgow area. 

This pay deal arrives amidst a broader context of labor negotiations within First Bus. While the engineers' dispute has been resolved, approximately 1,200 First Bus drivers are engaged in ongoing discussions over pay and conditions. Unite has indicated that it will continue to advocate vigorously on behalf of these workers to achieve equitable outcomes.