“`html
Bus Strike Chaos Hits North-East Commuters
Commuters in the north-east of England face travel chaos as Go North East, the region’s biggest bus firm, grinds to a halt for day three of a week-long strike.
Areas including Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, North Shields, sunderland/" title="Sunderland" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Sunderland, and Washington are all feeling the pinch, with locals fuming over disrupted services and workers worried about their pay.
Strike Backed by Unite as Pay Row Escalates
The strike, called by Unite union representing the drivers, follows a breakdown in talks with Go North East bosses. Despite the parent company, Go-Ahead Group, posting a hefty £85 million profit, workers say their pay offer is nowhere near enough.
Go North East has offered a 9.5% pay rise, but Unite demands a hefty 13% on top of last year’s 10% increase. The standoff is set to drag on with strikes scheduled from September 30 to October 6, and again from October 14 to 20.
Unite warns of even more action if no proper deal is struck soon.
Services Slashed, MP Calls for Talks
Go North East says all buses are off the road during the strike, except contracted school runs, leaving communities stranded without vital transport.
Jarrow MP Kate Osborne has written to the company, urging a return to talks. She pointed out that workers are frustrated with attempts to cut paid meal breaks and extend shift times—bad news at a time when the cost of living crisis bites hard.
Union Chiefs Slam Bus Company’s Approach
“Go North East needs to take a long hard look at themselves and how appallingly they’ve treated their workforce,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham blasted.
Unite regional officer Dave Telford added, “We have a laser-like focus on securing jobs, pay, and conditions for our members. We’ll use every resource to deliver a win for the workers.”
“`
