Go North East bus drivers set for 12-week strike after turning down a ‘landmark’ pay offer

An indefinite strike involving bus drivers at Go North East is set to begin on Saturday, October 28, as they turn down a “landmark” pay offer that would have seen them be the highest paid drivers in the North East.

The proposed deal, which was offered earlier this week, would have increased hourly rates for drivers to £14.15, meaning drivers working a standard week would have seen thier pay rise by almost £2,700 a year - a 10.3% boost to pay.

Drivers who chose to work overtime would have to stood to make an extra £3,000 per year.

Go North East has stated that driver-opinion favoured accepting the deal when it was announced and have accused lobbing by Unite representatives to force a ‘no’ vote.

Ben Maxfield, business director at Go North East, has expressed his dismay at the rejection of the pay offer.

He said: “We are baffled. Drivers wanted an above inflation deal, no changes to conditions and top-of-themarket rates.

“We responded to each and every one of those demands, which makes it hard to understand why the union would press ahead with 12-weeks of industrial action”.

“This has become a strike entirely of the union’s own making.

”Immediately after learning of the ballot outcome, we appealed to the union to reconsider and suspend the strike. Unfortunately, this was met with a flat refusal”.

Read South Tyneside’s news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day’s news and sport and enjoy even more from your Gazette. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

Go North East has moved to reassure the public that the company remains committed to finding a solution to the disruption caused by the strikes as soon as possible.

As it stands, there will be no Go North East buses running during the strike period, except for contracted school services.