A bus strike which was due to cause major disruption over the coming weeks has been called off at the last minute after workers at Arriva reached an agreement.
More than 100 drivers were set to walk out on a continuous strike from tomorrow (Friday October 21) in a row over the company’s plans to close the historic Jesmond depot in Newcastle, putting jobs at risk.
Some drivers are also set to be relocated to depots in Durham and Blyth when the Newcastle site closes its doors on October 31.
Read more: Major disruption in the North East after train derails and slips down embankment
However, the industrial action has now been called off after drivers, who had voted 97% in favour of the walkout, reached an agreement with bus operator Arriva.
The Northern Echo understands the agreement will see affected staff receive a daily payment for six months to compensate for the inconvenience.
Unite regional officer Dave Telford told ITV News: "The members have today voted to support a package to facilitate the transfer to other depots.
"Clearly strike action was the last resort and we are pleased that strike action has been resolved."
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here
Services across Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, including some school services, were due to be impacted by the action.
A spokesperson for Arriva said: “Arriva are pleased to confirm that following constructive consultation with Unite, the proposed industrial action which was due to commence on 21st October will no longer take place.”
The strikes came after GMB workers at Stagecoach in Sunderland walked out last week in a row over pay.
Almost 200 workers walked out in the Sunderland strike after the GMB union said plans put forward by Stagecoach resulted in real terms pay cut.
Read next:
- The North East chippy shortlisted in the UK's top 20 takeaways
- Keir Starmer to meet mothers of boys who lost their lives to knife crime
- 'I could not believe my eyes': Teen shocked as she finds a wallaby in her street
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here