Stagecoach North East Workers Reject Pay Offer, Announce Strike Dates

Workers at Stagecoach North East have rejected a five per cent pay offer split over two years, voting to strike on August 18 and 21 in protest. The rejection comes after the company's managing director, Steve Walker, said the proposal was above inflation and met the union's aspiration for a 5% increase. However, Unite the Union's Sharon Graham stated that the offer was below inflation, with a large disparity in pay between Stagecoach North East drivers, who earn £15.01 per hour, and their counterparts in Manchester, who earn £17.54 per hour.

Key Takeaways:

• 600 workers at Stagecoach North East voted down a five per cent pay increase split over two years offered by the company.
• The pay offer was below inflation, according to Unite the Union general secretary Sharon Graham.
• Stagecoach North East drivers currently earn £15.01 per hour, while their counterparts in Manchester earn £17.54 per hour, highlighting a significant pay disparity.
• Trade union officials from Unite have pledged to provide full support to the striking workers.
• Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, emphasized that the company remains committed to ensuring drivers receive a fair and affordable pay increase.
• Further strikes are likely if the dispute remains unresolved, according to Unite regional officer Dave Telford.

Statistics:

• 600 workers at Stagecoach North East participated in the vote to reject the pay offer.
• The proposed pay increase was five per cent split over two years.
• Stagecoach North East drivers currently earn £15.01 per hour.
• Manchester-based bus drivers earn £17.54 per hour.
• The proposed pay offer was below inflation, according to Unite the Union.

Sources:

• "Stagecoach North East workers reject pay offer as strikes are set to go ahead." Goodman, James (August [no date provided]). unkown newspaper source must be cited.
• "Bus drivers in the North East to strike in August." BBC News, unknown publication date.