STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 28 (UPI) -- Sweden's nationwide bus strike ended after the drivers' union leaders reached a deal with employers on pay raises and working conditions, officials said.
The agreement was reached Thursday, clearing the way for buses to roll again after a nine-day strike staged by the drivers, The Local.se reported.
Kommunal, the bus drivers' union, called for the strike over salary concerns, as well as long work hours and fears that drivers may have to re-apply for their jobs after a new contractor takes over bus services.
"We are very happy," said Annelie Nordstrom at the Kommunal union.
Nordstrom said a three-year contract negotiated between Kommunal and employers addressed all of the union's demands.
"They are actually specified in the contracts. These include the transfer of staff to a new contractor and a far greater influence for members over working hours," she said.
Peter Jeppsson, chief executive officer of Bus Employers (Bussarbetsgivarna), told the Swedish TT news agency that the contract will increase the drivers' wages by 6.8 percent over three years.
"I am pleased that we can get transport rolling and that travelers no longer suffer," Jeppsson said.
