The northeast faces travel chaos as Go North East, the region’s largest bus company owned by the Go Ahead Group, is set to experience a seven-day strike starting from midnight tonight. Drivers will walk out until Saturday, October 7, only to resume striking the following fortnight, leaving significant parts of the northeast without bus services.
Members of the public have voiced their frustration on social media, expressing concerns about the lack of transportation and the financial losses incurred by workers unable to reach their workplaces. The strike is a result of unsuccessful negotiations between Go North East and the drivers, prompting the latter to take to the picket line.
Despite the latest accounts revealing nearly £85 million in profits for its parent company, the Go-Ahead Group, Go North East has not returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer, leading to the industrial action. Communities in Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main (North Shields), Sunderland, and Washington will be significantly affected.
The strikes are scheduled for two periods:
– Saturday, September 30, 2023, to Friday, October 6, 2023 (inclusive)
– Saturday, October 14, 2023, to Friday, October 20, 2023 (inclusive)
Unite, the union representing the drivers, has warned that further action may follow if an acceptable settlement isn’t proposed.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasised the need for Go North East to reevaluate its treatment of its workforce. Unite Regional Officer Dave Telford affirmed the union’s commitment to securing favourable outcomes for its members during this dispute.
In response, Go North East revealed that it had tabled an improved pay offer of 9.5% for drivers and engineers during intensive negotiations involving ACAS. The company stated that administration staff earning up to £40,000 per year were offered 9.5%, while those earning over £40,000 were offered 6%. The company also guaranteed a further inflation-linked pay increase for the next year.
The company expressed regret over Unite’s dismissal of the revised offers and its decision to proceed with the strike action. Despite attempts by the company to delay the strike for further talks, Unite rejected the proposal, demanding a 13% pay increase on top of the 10% received last year.
Go North East Business Director Ben Maxfield apologised for the disruption and emphasised the company’s efforts to resolve the dispute quickly. He expressed disappointment that some elements within Unite seemed set on pursuing the course of action despite the company’s willingness to negotiate.
During the strike period, there will be no Go North East buses running, except contracted school services. The latest information on service disruptions is available on the company website.
