Industrial action that was set to cause travel disruption on Merseyside and the north west this weekend has been called off at the last moment.
Earlier in the week, it was reported Arriva bus drivers had voted "overwhelmingly" to strike after refusing a 2% pay increase.
Trade union Unite said an "unsatisfactory" pay offer from Arriva would likely result in "imminent bus strikes" across the north west.
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Around 2,000 drivers across Liverpool, Manchester and the north west of England were said to have been overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, scheduled to begin in the early hours of Saturday, October 30.
The industrial action would have caused considerable disruption to bus services on the traditionally busy Halloween weekend for those travelling to parties and events.
Following further discussions between trade union Unite and Arriva, the proposed strike action has been called off.
Although a full resolution has still not been agreed, it appears negotiations are at the stage where Arriva bus services will operate as normal over the Halloween weekend.
A spokesperson for Arriva North West said: "Arriva can confirm that strike action this weekend has been called off.
"We now have a recommended offer with Unite and GMB which will be put to their members next week.
"This is good news for now, but we must work together for a full resolution.
"Arriva services will operate as normal this weekend - this is the right outcome."
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Unite has now recommended its members accept Arriva’s revised offer of a 3% wage increase following last minute negotiations, and called of tomorrow's strike action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members have shown that by standing together in unity management has been obliged to make an improved pay offer.
"Arriva must understand that we remain utterly determined to secure proper and lasting improvements to the pay and conditions of our members."
Unite said following fresh pay talks today a new improved pay offer was made by management and it's now in the process of balloting its members on the offer.
Unite regional officer Alison Spencer-Scragg said: “This offer is a welcome step in the right direction. Unite’s members will now decide if it meets their aspirations.”
However, Unite said if its members reject the offer a fresh notice for strike action would be served.
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