A LONDON bus strike was suspended yesterday after union reps and bosses agreed to discuss a new pay offer.

Drivers employed by privateer bus operator Tower Transit were due to walk out for 24 hours from yesterday morning but agreed to fresh talks at the Acas conciliation service after managers put a new offer on the table.

The strike was due to affect over 20 routes across London.

The Unite union, which represents the drivers, has warned of a “concerted attempt” to drive down pay and conditions.

London’s buses are divided between 12 different private operators — and each one sets its own pay rates, meaning pay can vary massively even for drivers covering similar routes. Drivers are typically paid between £17,000 and £25,000.

Transport for London (TfL) officials yesterday refused to comment on the dispute, saying it was a matter to be resolved between unions and bus operators.

But a Unite spokeswoman last night confirmed that the union would now take part in new negotiations.

“Unite has suspended a planned 24 hour walk out by bus drivers at Tower Transit after the company agreed to talks under the auspices of Acas over a revised offer,” she said.

“Unite is committed to working towards securing a deal that is acceptable to our members.”

conradlandin@peoples-press.com