Local businesses are showing support for North East bus drivers who are "like family" striking this week over a pay dispute.
The Saints and Sinners cafe and Wheatsheaf pub, in Sunderland, have been providing strikers food and drink as they protest against the current pay terms being offered by Stagecoach.
GMB Union have said these plans constitute a "real-terms pay cut", and would see workers receive a 4 per cent rise to their wage, with a further increase of 2 per cent later this year.
Amantha Anderson, 44, director at Saints and Sinners, from Sunderland said when she and her staff were told of the strike action they did not hesitate to offer their support.
She said: "Tuesday was like 'woah, what's going on, [it's been] like a football match times ten.
"It's absolutely mental again, but it's what you've gotta do for the lads.
"The lads and the lasses [bus drivers], they do horrible hours, they're out in all sorts of weather, they've got to put up with loads of customers.
"They're not like customers to us, they're all our friends, they come in for a chat. It's like one big massive family."
She said combined with the hours they have to work and the work they did during the pandemic, that drivers deserve more.
Adding to this, she said workers often frequent her cafe and the Wheatsheaf pub while on shift.
She said her workers love the Stagecoach drivers and mechanics, and enjoy their banter with the workers.
Ms Anderson said they have been helping out since Tuesday and will continue to as the strike goes on.
In support of the action, she said they have cancelled their deliveries to ensure they do not run out of stock for the strikers.
Meanwhile, the Wheatsheaf pub has also offered hot drinks such as tea and coffee to those striking outside.
Those standing on the side of the road have been frequenting the Wheatsheaf for a hot drink and a break, before returning to the picket line.
Joe, who was present at the strike, said the owner had really backed those taking part and praised his character.
He said: "He's a character, he's backing the strikes 100% and I'll be going in there for a pint next time I'm passing by.
"Sound as a pound, that man."
Read more: Sunderland bus drivers strike in pay dispute with Stagecoach
The Sunderland Stagecoach workers have been striking since Tuesday (11) and plan to keep going until this Saturday.
Union members have been outside the firm’s depot in North Bridge Street, Monkwearmouth, picketing since early Tuesday morning.
Stuart Gilhespy, GMB organiser, explained workers are struggling with the cost of living crisis and rising inflation levels, and this has forced some to use foodbanks.
He said it is unacceptable for people to have to use foodbanks at all, let alone when in full-time work.
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.
GMB Union claim family passes have been pulled from workers during the walkout, leaving their children unable to get to school and college, and family members unable to get to work or the shops.
Mr Gilhespy said: "This is a petty, vindictive move, plain and simple."
A Stagecoach spokesperson, in a statement, said: "These claims are without foundation and an attempt to divert attention from the fact there is no justification for current strike action.
"Safety is always our absolute priority and our services are only delivered by individuals with the required bus driving qualification and training.
"We have reached pay agreements with other trade unions at our other north east depots, which cover the vast majority of our staff.
"The proposals we have put forward for Sunderland are similar and would make our people amongst the highest paid of any bus drivers in the region.
"Instead of wasting time on invented claims, we would urge the union to return to talks so we can resolve this dispute, deliver a good pay rise for our employees, and restore bus services to our local communities."
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