Possible engineering strike action from 19 December

STATEMENT FROM GO NORTH EAST

To avoid any impact on the passengers who depend on us, contingency measures will be in place and our comprehensive network of bus services will continue to operate as usual.

In summer, we offered a 10% pay increase to all our staff. In September, Unite accepted this for the 1,270 drivers they represent. Unite have now decided to pursue increases of between 19% and 25% for engineers.

Company Managing Director Nigel Featham, said, “The company is in a loss-making position. Even so, we have been prepared to increase wages - but the 19% and 25% wage awards. Unite are seeking are simply not an option.

Taking strike action in these circumstances achieves nothing; we need Unite to work with us to secure everyone’s future.”

12 December 2022

Notes to editors:

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all. For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield, Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531