Cambridge one of UK’s most expensive cities but drivers paid £1.78 an hour less than Manchester colleagues

Cambridge Stagecoach workers will stage further strike action later this month and into February, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The 200 drivers and engineers are demanding a pay increase that reflects the difficulties and stresses of the job and the high cost of living in Cambridge, one of the most expensive cities in the UK.

While Cambridge drivers are paid just £16.22 hour, drivers in Manchester are paid £18 an hour and Liverpool drivers are on £17.43.

Stagecoach made operating profits of £97.3 million in the year to April 2024 on sales of £1.6 billion.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Cambridge has crippling living costs for workers, but Stagecoach thinks it can get away with paying the city’s drivers subpar wages. Our members will not be treated as second class employees: Stagecoach can afford to give them a fair slice of the pie.”

As well as the pay disparities, workers want a pay offer that takes into consideration the arduous nature of the job.  

For drivers instances of violence and abuse are not uncommon. Specific instances include a road user threatening to stab a driver in the neck and brandishing a metal bar, a driver having an egg thrown in their face, homophobic slurs, verbal abuse and threats of violence.

Unite regional officer Mark Plumb said: “Cambridge’s Stagecoach drivers are dedicated to providing vital bus services under harsh working conditions. But they need to be paid a fair rate for the job. The disruption caused to passengers is entirely the fault of Stagecoach, which is refusing to do this out of corporate greed. Strikes will not end until an acceptable offer is put forward.”

The workers began strike action in late December. As well as striking on 24 January, fresh strikes have been scheduled for 26, 28 and 30 January and 9, 11 and 13 February. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

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.