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The government says a demand for an increased hourly rate and an enhanced lump sum was handed over to them, at the same time as Union officials were describing the bus crews' increased determination to escalate their action.
Further strike action has been promised, some of which could affect the "bendy bus" trials.
But the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure's chief executive, Nick Black, says there does appear to be some room for negotiation:
Skills Strategy hopes to tackle 'significant' skills shortage
Part of Island Plan to create and fill 5,000 new jobs by 2032
Loganair to remove Saturday service to Birmingham
Temporary changes take effect in May
Trial for Douglas man who denies keying car
62-year-old been bailed
Southern Pool board welcomes assurances over site's future
Follows 'positive' meeting with government
Looneys of Ramsey to close
Number of factors behind the decision
Future of Belfast flights 'precarious' due to low passenger numbers
Chief Minister says work is ongoing to make the route commercially viable
