Northeast Braces for Massive Bus Strike Chaos
The northeast is gearing up for travel mayhem as Go North East, the region’s biggest bus firm owned by the Go Ahead Group, faces a crippling seven-day strike starting midnight tonight. Drivers will walk out until Saturday, October 7 – then return to the picket line for another two weeks, leaving large parts of the region busless.
Communities Slammed as Bus Services Grind to Halt
Passengers and workers are fuming on social media over blocked transport and lost wages. The disruption hits key towns including Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, North Shields, Sunderland, and Washington.
The strike results from failed talks between Go North East management and drivers, who feel ignored despite their demands. Unite union warns further strike action could follow if no fair deal is reached.
Profits Soar, But Drivers Still Denied Fair Pay
Shockingly, Go-Ahead Group reported nearly £85 million in profits. Yet Go North East has refused to improve pay offers enough to end the dispute.
Offers, Outrage & Ongoing Disputes
- Go North East tabled a new 9.5% pay rise offer for drivers and engineers after talks with ACAS.
- Admin staff earning up to £40k get 9.5%; those over £40k get 6% plus an inflation-linked pay rise next year.
- Union demands a whopping 13% pay rise on top of last year’s 10%, rejecting company offers.
- Go North East apologised for disruption and expressed disappointment at Unite’s refusal to negotiate further.
- The strike covers Sept 30 – Oct 6 and Oct 14 – Oct 20; only school bus services will run during the walkout.
“Go North East must rethink its treatment of workers,” said Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham.
Unite Regional Officer Dave Telford vowed: “We’re committed to fighting for our members to get a fair deal.”
Go North East’s Business Director Ben Maxfield said: “We regret the disruption and want to resolve this quickly, but some in Unite remain determined to strike.”
For the latest on travel disruptions, check the Go North East website before you travel. The northeast’s buses are about to grind to a halt – so plan ahead!
