HUNDREDS of drivers, engineers and office staff at Oxford Bus Company will vote on a revised pay offer on Thursday.

About 400 members of the union Unite will take part in a ballot at Oxford’s Watlington Road depot to decide whether to accept a pay rise of 1.4 per cent.

Two weeks ago more than 80 per cent of members rejected a 1.6 per cent pay rise and said they were prepared to strike to settle the pay dispute.

Although the new offer is lower, the company has removed some of the controversial conditions from the first offer such as reducing workers’ minimum daily working hours.

The union has recommended members to accept the offer.

However, the size of the pay increase and plans to introduce a lower rate of pay for new starters have been described as significant sticking points.

Regional industrial organiser Ian Methven said: “A ballot will take place on the improved second offer.

“The drivers are very unhappy with the current situation, with what the management is trying to impose and how they are handling it.”

One driver, who asked not to be named, said staff would reluctantly pursue industrial action.

Oxford Bus Company spokesman Phil Ashworth said: “We are pleased that the union is recommending that its members accept the offer.”