The vast majority of Arriva employees have approved a proposed collective agreement to improve their working conditions and pay.

The General Workers Union, which represents most of the public transport operator’s staff, said it would bring about a substantial change in conditions

Arriva employees would have fewer working hours, a new salary structure, compensation for cost-of-living increases and there would also be a separate financial benefit for bendy-bus drivers.

Staff would also enjoy a night allowance, new shift patterns, health insurance, a performance bonus, improved sick leave, free transport to and from home and special leave for marriage, maternity and family bereavement.

Under the collective agreement, a disciplinary board will be set up.

The union said it had organised four meetings with Arriva staff to explain the details of the agreement. Nearly 95 per cent of them had voted in favour of getting it signed.

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