Strike action by Go North East bus engineers has been called off - after workers voted to accept a pay rise of between 10 and 13.1%.
The action - which would have caused delays and disruptions to passengers - had been set to take place this week starting on December 19. But following negotiations last week between the union Unite and Go North East bosses, strike action was called off and workers instead voted on a proposal which will see them get a substantial pay boost.
The workers are engineers based at depots in Dunston, Sunderland, Consett, North Shields, Washington, Hexham and Gateshead. Their new pay deal - described as an "excellent result" by Unite general secretary Sharon Graham - will see the "vast majority" of workers get rises of at least 10%.
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The deal applies to 150 engineers, and depending on their pay grade some will get up to 13.1%. The attendance bonus on offer is also to be boosted - meaning that on top of the percentage rise, wages will go up by an extra 14p.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This wage deal for Go North East engineers is an excellent result for Unite’s members and testament to the hard work of our reps.
"We are determined to improve the jobs, pay and conditions of our members in the bus industry and this win shows that workers get results when they’re in Unite."
Regional union officer Dave Telford said: “This result is another reminder that those looking to improve their wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”
Last week, following the negotiations, Go North East's managing director Nigel Featham, said: "I am pleased to say that talks with Unite proved productive. We have made a fresh offer, which remains within our budgets and is one I believe all parties can confidentially get behind."
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