Unite, the UK’s leading union, has secured a significant pay award for Go North East workers it was announced today (Friday 1 December).

Following a prolonged dispute and lengthy industrial action, Unite has secured a headline 11.2 per cent pay increase for drivers, engineers and administrators at Go North East.

Unite members were balloted on the deal and accepted the offer.

The details of the new pay deal include:

  • A backdated pay rise of 10.5 per cent from 1 July 2023
  • A further 0.7 per cent rise in January 2024
  • Additionally, there will be another increase to pay on 1 July 2024. This rise will be in line with RPI, subject to a minimum increase of four per cent.

This means, for example, a driver currently earning £12.83 per hour will see their pay rise to £14.17 backdated to July and then rise to £14.27 in January. If inflation was then at four per cent in July 2024 their pay would then increase to £14.84 per hour.

The same pay award has also been secured for all engineers and administrative staff earning up to £40,000 per year.

Additionally, Unite’s tough negotiating stance has ensured this is a “no strings attached” offer with no changes to scheduling or conditions unless agreed separately.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Go North East workers should be congratulated on their victory for better pay. They stood together in unity until their employer returned to negotiations and made an improved offer. Make no mistake, Unite Is here to fight for workers, I will do whatever is needed to help workers secure good pay deals, that commitment has been clearly demonstrated during this dispute.

“Unite the union keeps winning across the passenger transport sector and securing better pay for our members.”

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab added: “I’m delighted our members have secured this substantial pay increase. Thanks to their tireless efforts on picket lines and at protests they have secured the pay increase they deserve.”

 With members having accepted the new pay offer, the industrial action will now end and bus services will resume from tomorrow (Saturday 2 December).