DETAILS have emerged of the last-gasp pay deal aimed at staving off a bus strike in York.

Union leaders have advised drivers to accept the "final" offer being put forward by First York.

The fresh offer was made after First York drivers voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking over pay demands.

The latest deal would mean York drivers earning an extra 23p an hour, taking top earners to £6.65 an hour.

But one angry driver has told the Evening Press he has voted against the offer - and feels company bosses are not prepared to risk a strike. He said he was holding out for an extra 5p an hour, and added: "I was not impressed with that offer at all and have already voted to reject it. We aren't asking for the earth, just what we feel we are due - there is a lot of responsibility and expertise involved in driving a bus around a city like York."

The driver, who asked to remain anonymous, said he feels the pay demands will be met.

He added: "They can't afford for us to strike, so I can't see why they don't just give us what we ask. They want everything from us - but aren't prepared to give anything back."

But management have described the offer as the "best possible".

The Evening Press has seen a copy of a letter sent to drivers and signed by First York managing director, Brian Asquith, and the Transport and General Workers' Union regional industrial organiser, David Bolton.

The letter says: "The offer is the best possible given the company's current trading position and significant costs involved with introduction of new rotas, new network and the massive investment in new vehicles."

And in a second, separate letter to union members, Mr Bolton says: "We have to clearly advise you that not only the negotiating officials but the Branch Committee are now prepared to recommend this final offer to you as one that you very seriously should consider, and, hopefully, accept."

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, August 28, 2001