Go North East Dodges Huge Strike with Pay Deal
Go North East, the North East’s biggest bus firm, is poised to avert a massive 12-week strike set for October 28. Talks with union reps have yielded a fresh pay offer that could make their drivers the best-paid in the region.
Driver Wages Jump Over £14 an Hour
The proposed deal sets a new hourly rate at £14.15, boosting average annual earnings by nearly £2,700—a hefty 10.3% rise for standard hours. Those clocking up overtime could pocket more than £3,000 extra per year. Not bad given the company posted a £4.3 million loss recently.
Despite financial hits, bosses have pushed through an inflation-busting pay rise and pledged another above-inflation boost next year if drivers back the offer.
Bosses and Union Speak Out
“We’re relieved to have taken a big step towards ending strike action,” said Go North East business director Ben Maxfield. “Working closely with the union, we’ve crafted a pay package that puts our drivers top of the North East earnings league.”
“We urge all employees to back this deal for the sake of staff and the thousands of passengers who rely on our buses every day.”
Vote Set for Friday
The final say lies with the drivers, who will vote on the offer at noon this Friday. A yes vote means no strike and a pay boost that’s hard to beat in the region.
