Unite secures major pay win

After a long dispute involving lengthy industrial action it was cheers all round for Unite Go North East bus members when the union secured a significant pay award on December 1.

Unite secured an 11.2 per cent pay increase for drivers, engineers and administrators at Go North East. Members were balloted on the deal and accepted the offer.

Under the terms of the new deal as an example, a driver currently earning £12.83 per hour will see their pay rise to £14.17 backdated to July and then rise to £14.27 in January. If inflation was then at four per cent in July 2024 their pay would then increase to £14.84 per hour.

The same pay award has also been secured for all engineers and administrative staff earning up to £40,000 per year.

Unite’s tough negotiating stance has also ensured this is a “no strings attached” offer with no changes to scheduling or conditions unless agreed separately.

“Go North East workers should be congratulated on their victory for better pay,” commented Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

“They stood together in unity until their employer returned to negotiations and made an improved offer. Make no mistake, Unite is here to fight for workers, I will do whatever is needed to help workers secure good pay deals, that commitment has been clearly demonstrated during this dispute.

“Unite the union keeps winning across the passenger transport sector and securing better pay for our members.”

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab added, “I’m delighted our members have secured this substantial pay increase. Thanks to their tireless efforts on picket lines and at protests they have secured the pay increase they deserve.”

Bus services in the Newcastle, Tyneside and Wearside area are now fully restored.

By UNITElive team