North East: Bus workers to stage 12 days of strike action in pay row

Strikes by bus workers are to go ahead after talks failed to resolve a row over pay.

Members of Unite employed by Stagecoach on Teesside will take 12 days of strike action between Monday and December 4.

The dispute involves over 200 bus workers including drivers, engineers, cleaners, supervisors, managers and administrative staff.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus workers deserve far better than low pay and below inflation pay offers.

“In recent weeks Unite members employed by Stagecoach throughout the UK have been drawing a line in the sand, demanding and winning decent pay deals.”

The strikes will be held on November 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 30 and December 2 and 4.

Steve Walker, managing director for Stagecoach North East, said: “Employees at South Shields have accepted a pay deal today and proposals have also been agreed in Sunderland. In addition, we are in constructive discussions with Unite about a pay deal for our employees in Newcastle.

“In view of the clear progress that we have made in a number of depots in the north east, we are disappointed that Unite is continuing with plans for strike action in Teesside.

“Stagecoach has reached agreements with trade unions in the vast majority of other depots across the country and we remain open to continuing discussions with Unite. We would urge them to call off this unnecessary action which will cause untold inconvenience to local communities, and will hit the pockets of our employees and their families.”