Passengers across North East England are preparing for travel disruption as Go North East, the region’s largest bus company, faces a series of strikes initiated by Unite the Union.

The industrial action is expected to have a significant impact on bus services, potentially causing disruptions for passengers who rely on public transportation in the region. Unite the Union has called for a series of strikes that are scheduled on the following dates:

• Saturday 30 September to Friday 6 October (inclusive)
• Saturday 14 October to Friday 20 October (inclusive)

The strike action will affect depots in Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main (North Shields), Sunderland, and Washington. Passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements during these periods.

While Go North East has stated its intention to provide a skeleton service on strike days by deploying managers and supervisors as drivers, the majority of bus services in the North East are expected to be disrupted. The focus of the skeleton service will primarily be on ensuring the operation of school services when possible.

Efforts are ongoing to resolve the dispute, with Go North East engaging in talks with Unite the Union to seek a resolution that would avert the need for strike action.

Passengers have expressed their frustration on social media platforms as they face the possibility of service disruptions during the strike periods.

The primary cause of the strike is the pay offer extended to Go North East drivers and engineers, which Unite the Union has deemed inadequate. The offer, described as below inflation, includes cuts to terms and conditions for workers. Additionally, administrative and clerical staff have not received any pay offer from the company.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised Go North East for failing its members and the public by not presenting an improved pay offer to workers who provide an essential service. She reaffirmed Unite’s support for its members during the industrial action and their campaign for improved pay and conditions.

Unite regional officer, Dave Telford pointed out that Go-Ahead Group, the parent company of Go North East, reported substantial profits of nearly £85 million, suggesting that the company has the financial capacity to offer fair and proper pay to its employees.