There could be a shutdown of the bus network across the North East this summer as over 80 engineers and cleaners for Stagecoach are being balloted for strike action in a dispute about pay.

 After years of historic low pay, the Unite members at Busways Travel Services, part of the Stagecoach North East group, have overwhelmingly rejected a below inflation pay offer of 3.3 per cent backdated to 1 April 2025.

The company has struggled to recruit engineers in recent years, with low pay frequently cited as the issue.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is yet again a case of Stagecoach putting profits before people.

"Our hardworking members deserve better than years of pitiful, below-inflation pay increases. We will back our members all the way throughout this dispute, which is entirely of Stagecoach's own creation."

Stagecoach is highly profitable, with figures from last year showing the firm recorded a total operating profit of £51.1m, up from £33.1m, and a profit before taxation of £47.6m.

Strikes would have a significant impact - with buses not being cleaned, maintained or fixed when they break down. Industrial action could also take place at the same time as potential strikes by almost 500 other bus workers including drivers in Newcastle upon Tyne who also work for Stagecoach.

The Unite members being balloted work for Busways Travel Services, part of the Stagecoach North East group, at four major depots in Newcastle upon Tyne - Slatyford and Walkergate as well as Sunderland and South Shields. The ballot closes on 24 July. 

Nearly 500 members at Slatyford and Walkergate are also undertaking a ballot for strike action over pay. Their ballot closes on 15 July which means action could take place at the same time as their colleagues, from next month, if successful.

Unite regional officer Dave Telford said: "Both strikes will be incredibly disruptive for passengers across the region, with delays and cancellations the norm during any industrial action.

"We appreciate this would be frustrating for passengers but this is completely the fault of Stagecoach. We urge it to come back to the table and negotiate a better deal for our members to avoid any disruption."

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org