The second round of bus strikes planned across Greater Manchester this week have now been suspended.
It comes after the first set of disruptive strikes took place from 19 to 22 September, and the next lot were set to be carried out from tomorrow (Tuesday 30 September) until this Thursday (2 October) – but they have now been called off.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the upcoming industrial action, 2,000 workers who are employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale – all of which are firms among those that make up the bus part of the Bee Network – were due to walk out in a co-ordinated strike amid an ongoing pay dispute.
Unite the Union says all the firms are ‘highly profitable’ and it’s therefore ‘disappointing’ that workers are being denied a fair wage.
Planned bus strikes across Greater Manchester’s Bee Network this week have been suspended / Credit: TfGM
At Stagecoach, around 1,000 drivers based across the Oldham, Stockport, and Middleton depots have rejected a pay offer of 3.5%, and 1,000 Metroline Manchester members will also do the same after turning down an ‘unsatisfactory’ below-inflation pay offer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Workers at both Metroline and Stagecoach believe the offer doesn’t address years of low pay they’ve recieved, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Then, over at First Bus Rochdale, 110 members have rejected this year’s pay offer of 6%, as they feel this does not go far enough to address the fact they’ve had years of being paid less than their counterparts at other companies, and are still the lowest paid in the region.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stagecoach, Metroline, and First Bus Rochdale, part of First Group PLC, are all firms which have seen a rise in profits in recent years.
2,000 drivers were set to stage strike action over two different periods / Credit: TfGM
But now, Unite the Union confirmed today that strikes will be suspended whilst it ballots members at First and Stagecoach on a revised offer.
It’s hoped that staff at Metroline will also agree the same approach today, meaning that all buses across Greater Manchester will run as normal this week.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’ve been working throughout the weekend, doing everything in our power to bring the negotiations between bus operators and union colleagues to a fair resolution,” explained Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.
Some Bee Network bus strikes are suspended.
Most bus services in Greater Manchester will run as normal this week, as unions have called off strikes that had been planned to start on Tuesday [30 September].
“This is positive progress and we’re pleased that union colleagues have now agreed to suspend strike action to ballot their members, so we encourage staff at Metroline to do the same, in turn averting any strike action taking place this week.
“I have been clear that we support the aims of the unions – bus drivers deserve a better deal. But it has to be delivered in way that’s affordable and sustainable for the Bee Network.
“We’re hopeful that agreements can be reached between operators and unions to conclude the pay negotiations.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
Emily Sergeant -
29th September 2025 
