Sunderland's long-running bus strike has ended in what is being called a "massive win" for workers.
Three quarters of Sunderland's Stagecoach drivers voted to accept a double digit pay rise of 11 per cent - with a £150 bonus - backdated to December 1.
In total, 97% of the city's 200 Stagecoach bus drivers voted in favour of industrial action in September after being offered a four % pay rise, followed by another 2% later in the year, citing it as a "real terms pay cut" during the cost of living crisis.
The bus drivers are among a series of professions which have taken part in strikes across the UK in recent months, with NHS, Royal Mail, ambulance and railway workers all taking action aimed at acquiring pay deals in line with inflation and improvements in working conditions. Stagecoach drivers took eleven days days of action in total before accepting a pay deal on Wednesday January 4 2023.
Read more: January 2023 rail strike dates as trains cancelled in Newcastle and around North East
Laura Maughan, GMB Organiser, said: "After a gruelling couple of months, Sunderland’s bus drivers have won themselves a double digit pay rise – the least they deserve.
"GMB Union would like to thank the people of Sunderland for the support they’ve shown their drivers during this dispute – it means the world to them. And Stagecoach deserves credit for eventually realising drivers’ worth and negotiating with them to reach a deal."
Stagecoach said it was pleased to confirm that an agreement had been reached on the pay deal and that there would be no further strike action. Steve Walker, Managing Director for Stagecoach North East, said: "We're pleased to have reached a positive agreement with GMB on a pay deal that has now been fully accepted by their members.
"We’re very proud of our team, who do a great job in delivering vital transport connections for our communities. Today’s agreement means that we can now focus on the future ahead and making sure we deliver the best possible service for our passengers in Sunderland."
Read next
E-scooters to return to Sunderland on Thursday as new blue vehicles launch
- £2 bus fare cap to apply to these routes in Newcastle and around North East
Tyne Wear Metro fare dodging fine to increase by 400% in January 2023
Money saving Metro fare cap introduced and will run for three months in cost of living boost
