Hundreds of North East bus drivers began a strike today (Tuesday, October 11) to protest against a "real-terms pay cut".
Nearly 200 stagecoach bus drivers walked out in Sunderland to protest against plans put forward by Stagecoach, which GMB Union says constitutes a real-terms pay cut.
Union members have been outside the firm’s depot in North Bridge Street, Monkwearmouth, picketing since early this morning.
They say these plans would see workers only receive a 4 per cent rise to their wage, with a further increase of 2 per cent later this year.
Read more: Affected Stagecoach bus services as Sunderland workers to strike
GMB Union have said wages are not keeping up with the level of inflation, and that this wage rise would serve as real-terms pay cut.
Stuart Gilhespy, GMB organiser, explained that workers had been left angry by these plans and criticised Stagecoach's "ignorance surrounding the cost of living and inflation".
He said: “Sunderland bus drivers feel Stagecoach management are operating from some distant planet.
“They are acting as though there is no cost-of-living crisis and no inflation.
"Bosses seem happy to shortchange Sunderland’s travelling public and GMB’s hard-working members, who have frankly put their lives on the line for Stagecoach over the last few years.”
Mr Gilhespy thanked the people of Sunderland for the support they showed those striking today, and the local businesses who provided them food and drink.
A real terms pay cut constitutes wage increases which are below the level of inflation, as prices rise faster than yearly wage rises.
This strike will take place over the course of the week and will end on Saturday, 15 October.
On the affected dates, adult single fares will be £1.50.
Services operated on behalf of Nexus and Durham County Council will operate as normal.
Read more: Rail strikes set to cause disruption in North East
In a statement yesterday, a spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “So we can continue to offer links for our local communities, we will be operating a more limited service on the affected days, with buses crewed by volunteers.
"During the dates of strike action, all pre-paid customer tickets will also be accepted for travel on Tyne and Wear Metro within the affected areas.
"We have made what we consider to be a fair and reasonable offer to GMB regarding the pay dispute, and we remain committed to working constructively with officials to deliver pay proposals that are fair to our people, and which also ensure the long-term sustainability of the bus network for local communities.
"Stagecoach apologises for any inconvenience this industrial action may cause.”
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