The High Court has kyboshed today’s planed bus strike in a last minute injunction.

Metrobus forced the Unite union to suspend its action after the ruling - something the union called "an attack on democracy."

14,000 members were set to walk out at 3am for 24 hours this morning in the escalating pay row.

On 10 October 5,000 drivers failed to turn up for work but Metroline won a court case preventing it's drivers from striking legally, 2,500 bus drivers downed tools on 29 August in 24 hour industrial action.

Pay parity row

Union members are seeking a £30,000 pay parity for all bus drivers across the network which is operated by 18 separate private companies.

Speaking a few weeks ago at the last strike Unite officer Peter Kavanagh said yearly pay in the capital's 18 bus companies varied by up to £6,000.

"There is a startling disparity between bus drivers' pay in the capital, with rosters in some companies seeing many drivers complete nearly 60 hours a week."

Bus boss 'pleased'

Adrian Jones, managing director of London & Berkshire, part of First Group, said he was pleased at the courts decision.

The other bus companies caught up in the long running dispute, First Group, Arriva, Metroline, East London Buses and East Thames Buses also threatened to pursue the same legal action.