NORTH Yorkshire bus manufacturer Optare has agreed a three year pay and conditions deal with its operations employees who are represented by UNITE the Union.

Bosses at the Sherburn in Elmet based business say their working relationship with UNITE is the cornerstone of the business's success.

Enrico Vassallo, chief executive at Optare, said: "The agreement is an indication of our commitment to the business and criticality of our engagement with employees in delivering ever improving customer service, performance, and productivity and efficiency improvements."

The hard work of the negotiating team comprising of Optare business leaders and UNITE the Union shop stewards, was praised by Chris Cooke, Optare interim HR director, who said: "Without the dedication and sensible approach of our joint negotiation team this deal would not have been possible. It forms an excellent platform for working together in the future."

Richard Bedford, UNITE regional officer said: "Unite has a proud track record of working with employers to reach negotiated settlements across all industries.

"The three year pay and benefits deal that Unite has negotiated with bus manufacturer Optare is a testament to our commitment to better communication and joint working.

In this deal, both sides have shown that strong sectoral bargaining is good for workers and good for business. We look forward to working together with Optare to build even stronger employment relations in the future."

Optare is a manufacturer of urban buses with a modern assembly facility, employing more than 400 people.

The Optare group PLC is part of Ashok Leyland, one of the top 5 global bus producers, and part of the Hinduja Group.