Stagecoach North East is facing a wave of industrial action next month as around 600 bus workers, including drivers, engineers, and cleaners, prepare to strike over a pay dispute. The union Unite confirmed that its members voted to reject a 3.3% pay rise offer, calling it significantly below what Stagecoach staff earn in other UK regions.
The planned bus strikes in August are set to cause major disruption, particularly in Newcastle, with walkouts scheduled for Monday 11, Tuesday 12, Monday 18, and Thursday 21 August. Most buses serving Newcastle city centre operate from the affected depots.
Workers are employed by Busways Travel Services, part of the Stagecoach group. Unite argues that drivers in the North East, currently earning £15.01 per hour, are being undervalued compared to colleagues in the North West.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised the company’s priorities, stating: “Stagecoach is prioritising profits over people and our hardworking members deserve better.” She cited figures showing Stagecoach made £51.1 million in operating profit last year, up from £33.1 million the previous year.
Stagecoach, however, claims it offered a 3.9% rise—above current inflation—and warned that the union’s demand for a minimum 5% increase plus Sunday benefits could result in higher fares for passengers. Managing Director Steve Walker said: “The union’s current demands would see additional costs passed on to the customer, which is something we absolutely want to avoid.”
The strike will affect 500 staff at the Slatyford and Walkergate depots in Newcastle and over 80 engineers and cleaners based in Sunderland, South Shields, and Newcastle. While a reduced bus service in Newcastle will operate on strike days, Stagecoach says services in the rest of the North East and Tees Valley will continue as normal.
Stagecoach has urged Unite to return to the negotiating table to prevent what it calls “unnecessary disruption” during the busy holiday period.
