UPDATE: |Andy Burnham unveils scheme to make driving buses a ‘proper career’ News

The new Licence for Greater Manchester ensures experienced drivers don’t go on starter pay when they move bus companies

Some 4,000 bus drivers across Greater Manchester are being brought under a new Bee Network scheme to ensure experienced staff don’t have to start again on a beginners’ contract when they change companies.

The new Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM) is also designed to make bus driving an attractive career for new entrants and encourage experienced drivers to remain.

It aims to bring to an end the practice of drivers being forced to start at entry levels of pay when they change employers even if they had years of experience with a different operator.

It follows a landmark agreement between bus operators, Unite the Union and Transport of Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “By bringing all bus services in Greater Manchester together under the Bee Network we’ve been able to deliver massive benefits to passengers, who no longer have to buy different tickets from different bus operators.“We can now extend that change to Bee Network bus drivers, who’ll benefit from this ‘one system’ approach, with the ability to build a long-term career in Greater Manchester. Not only do we want to attract new talent and nurture the next generation of drivers, we want to retain the experienced drivers who are fundamental to keeping the Bee Network running day in, day out.“I must thank Unite and other trade unions for their role in shaping not just this initiative, but the Bee Network itself, as well as the Transport Workforce Engagement Board which proposed the Licence for GM scheme.”Stephen Rhodes, Director of Bus at TfGM, said: “This scheme is another example of the Bee Network working as one system, with drivers’ experience and length of service respected if they move between operators, meaning they no longer having to start on the lowest pay.

“It recognises the hugely important role bus drivers play in keeping Greater Manchester moving and – together with the Real Living Wage and Great Manchester Good Employment Charter commitments of our franchise operators – will help us to retain the services and experience of these highly valued colleagues.”

The agreement has been welcomed by union officials and bus companies.

Colin Hayden, Unite regional officer, said: “The Licence for Manchester is a joint initiative to assist with recruitment and retention in the Bee Network. For far too long, the passenger transport industry has become somewhat of a stop gap in employment, and initiatives like this will ultimately assist with Unite the Union’s campaign in the region to fully harmonise all elements of pay and conditions for all workers who do the same job in the same city regardless of workplace location.

“We have many depots throughout the Greater Manchester Combined Authority based in our local communities and this will encourage and attract local people into long term secure employment.”Patrick Sibley, regional CEO of Metroline Manchester, said: “The Licence for Greater Manchester is a great opportunity for drivers in Greater Manchester, that will help to attract new talent into the industry as well as support existing colleagues. It is important step for the Bus industry in Manchester to give drivers to have greater choice over where they work, enabling them to move to their depot or employer of choice without having to compromise, providing them with continuity and progress. It is a positive development for drivers that gives them the ability to build a successful career as part of the Bee Network.”Aaron Taylor, general manager of First Bus Rochdale said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with TfGM and Unite the Union on the Licence for Greater Manchester (LfGM). We hope that the LfGM will not only give our drivers more flexibility but will inspire a new generation of drivers to get behind the wheel.”Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “The License for Manchester is an important step forward to attract and retain drivers to the bus industry. As the first point of contact for many customers it recognises the vital role drivers play in the success of the Bee Network, providing stability and greater choice for drivers to choose where they work. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for drivers to progress their career in public transport within Greater Manchester.”Matthew Rawlinson, managing director at Diamond Bus North, West said: “We are pleased to be part of the Licence for Greater Manchester initiative. This compliments the significant improvements in driver pay and conditions made in recent years, restoring bus driving as a career to be proud of.Nigel Featham, managing director at Go North West said: “We’re proud to support the Licence for Greater Manchester – it’s a positive step forward for the Bee Network and the people who make it work. This agreement shows the growing maturity of franchising in Greater Manchester and reflects a shared commitment to making the Bee Network a great place to build a career. It means experienced drivers can move between operators without starting over – which helps with recruitment, retention and, ultimately, better services for passengers.”