SOUTHAMPTON bus drivers are to postpone their plans for industrial action ahead of talks between the union and the bus company.

Bluestar bus drivers are to put a hold on industrial action planned for the week beginning July 1.

The action will be postponed for two days to allow bosses from union National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and Bluestar to discuss the current dispute.

It comes after bus drivers voted "overwhelmingly" for strike action over arguments regarding pay and conditions.

Out of the 99 RMT members from Bluestar who cast a vote in the ballot, a total of 86 voted in favour of strike action over arguments regarding pay.

A total of 92 individuals said they would also take industrial action short of a strike.

Bosses at Bluestar have said that any action could disrupt some journeys but the Unilink will remain unaffected.

They added that in the event of a strike they will continue to run services but said that they could be reduced.

Managing director at Bluestar Andrew Wickham said: "The RMT has accepted the need for further negotiations and is meeting with Bluestar next week.

"We very much hope that this discussion will settle the matter amicably.

"However, regardless of the outcome, we anticipate that services will operate normally next week."

The current rate is £23k per year before any overtime, and the company offered a 3 per cent increase which was turned down by RMT.

Drivers took to Southampton's streets on June 18 as part of strike action to demonstrate their frustration over disputes about pay.

The strike action was due to be followed by a week of industrial action on July 1 to 7 and for a following week on July 22.

Members of RMT were asked to not work any overtime over their contacted hours.

However, this has been postponed for two days.