Workers’ wages fallen by a fifth in real terms since 2020 while Alexander Dennis owner’s profits continue to climb

Pay strikes by 400 Scarborough workers employed by bus maker Alexander Dennis have intensified, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The workers have rejected a four per cent offer from Alexander Dennis, which is owned by Canadian bus manufacturing group NFI, after the cost-of-living crisis was compounded by years of sub-par pay increases.

Between August 2021 and May 2026, the Retail Prices Index (RPI) rose by approximately 35.1 per cent, meaning prices increased by about a third over that period. During the same period, wages at Alexander Dennis increased by only 15.3 per cent, meaning the wages have fallen 19.8 per cent behind the cost of living.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Alexander Dennis’ owners NFI can fully afford to make a pay offer that begins to tackle the real terms pay cuts workers have experienced. These workers have Unite’s full support in striking to achieve that.”

NFI’s latest financial report for the second quarter of 2026, published last week, showed revenues increased by 18.6 per cent to over $1 billion (US). Profits (EBITA) were $104.0 million, an increase of 46.9 per cent year-over-year with an order book of $12.5 billion.

The workers have already taken 12 days of strike action beginning in late June. Fresh strikes, shutting down the company’s Scarborough operations, will take place on 11 and 12 August. Further industrial action will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional officer Dan Stephens said: “The workers’ resolve is rock solid – Alexander Dennis must put forward an offer that is acceptable to our members. This dispute will not end until this happens.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.