Spending power of striking workers’ wages have fallen by 20 per cent since 2020

Around 400 Scarborough workers employed by bus maker Alexander Dennis will strike over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The workers have rejected a four per cent offer from the company 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: “These workers have suffered a dramatic drop in their real terms pay. They have had enough. Alexander Dennis needs to put forward a pay increase that reflects their loyalty, hard work and patience. They have Unite’s total support in taking strike action to achieve that.”

The workers voted by 81 per cent in favour of strike action. They will strike from 25 June to 1 July.
Industrial action will shut down the factory’s operations and further strike dates will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional officer Dan Stephens said: “There is still time for Alexander Dennis to avoid industrial action and the disruption it will cause, but that will require an offer our members can accept. Otherwise, this dispute will continue to escalate.”

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.