Unions representing bus drivers working for Ulsterbus and Metro services, Unite the union and the GMB, announced the deferral of planned strike action due to commence this coming Monday [April 25] after negotiations led to a revised pay offer from employers. Bus drivers will now be balloted on the new pay offer.
Unite the union deputy Regional Secretary Davy Thompson welcomed the move by Translink employers:
“The strike action planned by both Unite and GMB bus drivers would have resulted in the cancellation of all bus services across Northern Ireland from next Monday. Ahead of that eventuality the unions and employers engaged in direct negotiations on the issue of pay.”
Peter Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“As a result of those talks and the revised offer made by the employers, workplace representatives in both unions have decided to defer next week’s planned action and ballot the members. We will make public the results of that process as they become known.”
Unite the Union, Ireland Region 
The word on the street is that Translink threatened legal action, after seeking legal advice, if the Union’s continued with the strike. I was always told that when a dog shows its teeth its game over. By deferring the strike you are letting Translink off the leash. Last week they blamed the lack of political stability in NI and this week they are threatening legal action. Some shift there. We are right in the middle of an election, a time when politicians are at their most eager to appease!. Trigger the politicos. Let the public know the truth that Translink threatened legal action.