BUS bosses in Bournemouth have dropped their charges against a leading trade unionist who was threatened with disciplinary action after being attacked on the job.

Yellow Buses has given up its disciplinary proceedings against driver Martin Conder, a Unite convener.

In October Mr Conder was assaulted by a passenger on his bus route. He was aided by a passenger in removing the assailant from the bus.

Managers responded by attempting to sack him, but this was reduced to a final written warning.

Their actions led to calls from workers to go on strike against Mr Conder’s treatment. In response, managers dropped all charges against him on Friday.

Unite regional officer Janet Wall welcomed the decision, saying: “Martin Conder is a well-respected union representative with an unblemished record.

“This whole debacle could have easily been avoided because Martin had done nothing wrong. His name has been cleared and the industrial action ballot has been called off.”