A bus company which saw hundreds of its drivers walk out over pay has been branded "disgusting" after an internal memo circulated around one of its depots.

Stagecoach North East drivers in Sunderland staged mass walk-outs earlier this month after union officials and company bosses failed to reach an agreement over pay.

More than 200 drivers went on strike over five days, prompting chaos among commuters and visitors travelling to and from the city. 

Read more: Bus drivers strike as union organiser labels bus giant as "petty" - but firm says it is fair

Further strikes, on Friday, October 28 and Monday, October 31, are due to take place as an agreement has still not been reached.

The GMB union claims a pay offer of four per cent, and a further two per cent later this year, is a "real-terms" pay cut amid inflation and the cost of living crisis.

The Northern Echo: The Northern Echo (Image: The Northern Echo)The Northern Echo (Image: The Northern Echo) (Image: The Northern Echo)

But last night, drivers and the union slammed Stagecoach over the continuation of strike action as an internal memo referring to "thug" like behaviour emerged.

In the memo, which was placed in the driver's locker area, the company said it was reminding drivers over the "statutory code of practice on picketing."

Read more: Affected Stagecoach bus services as Sunderland workers to strike

That was before going on to claim it had received "numerous reports and complaints" from passengers and claimed it had CCTV footage of swearing in front of the public.

It went on to add: "You have a right to picket and peacefully persuade. You have no right to act like thugs.

"Stop swearing and insults (including scab). Stay away from bus passengers. Stay out of all bus shelters. Stay 15m from any bus stop."

The Northern Echo:

However, drivers told The Northern Echo that they were "disgusted" by the apparent blanket statement, saying they refute they acted in the ways set out in the letter.

Stuart Gilhespy, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB is both disgusted and worried by the stance Stagecoach has chosen to take.

“They’re trying to silence our members and threaten them with both the sack and individual prosecution  - just for protesting to try and get a pay rise they can live on.

“Instead of negotiating, Stagecoach is wasting the money they claim they haven’t got on solicitors to bully our members back to work.”

The Northern Echo:

In response, Stagecoach North East said it had reported a number of alleged incidents to Northumbria Police.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm we have made police aware of several incidents and complaints which have been raised by passengers about the behaviour of individual union members and the conduct of people on the picket line.

"This includes a passenger who was hit by a GMB union flag whilst trying to board the bus and was understandably very distressed. 

"Individuals have a right to take strike action and to picket. However, they also have a responsibility to do so safely and lawfully." 

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