Overview

• Around 600 drivers and engineers walked out on August 18 at Slatyford and Walkergate depots after rejecting Stagecoach’s 5% pay offer split over two years.
• Stagecoach North East has deployed volunteer crews to maintain a limited service in Newcastle, leading to longer waits and passenger queues.
• Unite highlights that North East drivers earn £15.01 an hour compared with £17.54 in Manchester, framing the dispute as a fight for regional pay parity.
• North East mayor Kim McGuinness urged Stagecoach to reopen negotiations and deliver a fairer deal to end summer disruption quickly.
• Unite has warned of intensified action on August 21 if Stagecoach does not return with an improved proposal.