Hundreds of bus drivers have voted to go on strike in the latest outbreak of industrial action sweeping the country.
Members of GMB employed by Stagecoach in Sunderland backed strikes by 97 percent on an 83 percent turnout.
Dates for strike action will be announced in the coming days.
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The GMB said workers were angry after being offered a 4 percent pay rise, with 2 percent to follow later in the year.
GMB official Stuart Gilhespy said: “Sunderland’s bus drivers have voted for strike action. This was the last thing anybody wanted, but Stagecoach left them with no choice.
“They are desperately struggling through this cost-of-living crisis and Stagecoach bosses are trying to force them to take a huge pay cut.
“Sunderland will grind to a halt and the blame lies entirely with Stagecoach.”
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