Strikes by bus workers employed by Stagecoach on Teesside have been suspended following an improved pay offer.

Strikes suspended

The strikes scheduled for Thursday 18 November, Saturday 20 November and Monday 22 November have all been called off to allow members to ballot on the improved pay offer.

Potential breakthrough

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a potential breakthrough in the dispute.

 “However, Unite is committed to ensuring that the jobs, pay and conditions of our members are fully protected and so the union will continue to support our members until this dispute with Stagecoach is resolved.”

Extensive negotiations 

The new pay offer was made following extensive negotiations between Stagecoach’s management and Unite, the UK’s leading union.

Members to decide

Unite regional officer Mark Sanderson said: “Since the beginning of this dispute Unite believed that a resolution could be achieved through negotiations.

 “The improved offer will now be voted on by members who will decide if it meets their expectations.”

Four days of strikes held

Strike action began on Monday 8 November and the workforce have already taken four days of industrial action in the dispute.

If the offer is rejected then strike action will resume, with the next strike scheduled for Wednesday 24 November.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Teesside bus strikes at ‘penny pinching’ Stagecoach to go ahead as talks break down

 During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.