THE bus strike planned for tomorrow (Monday) has been called off after last ditch talks between bus union RMT and Stagecoach today.

A brief press release issued by the union this evening states: ‘RMT suspends Stagecoach South West strike action tomorrow to allow consideration of new offer.

‘Bus union RMT has confirmed that all strike action on Stagecoach South West tomorrow has been suspended to allow members to have their say on a revised offer received from the company in last ditch talks today.’

Stagecoach South West has welcomed the ‘constructive discussions’ today with trade union RMT in pay talks covering employees based in the south west.

New pay proposals put forward by Stagecoach are to be consulted on by employees this week.

The deal would see employees receive a pay increase of 4.4 per cent if accepted.

Mike Watson, managing dfirector of Stagecoach South West, said: ‘We have had constructive discussions with RMT today and as a result the strike action planned for Monday 18 October has been called off.

‘We are pleased to have put together positive pay packages for our people that are supported by the union.

‘Throughout our discussions, our priority has been to protect jobs, ensure our people who keep our communities connected are properly rewarded, and secure the long-term future of bus networks in the south west.’