Alexander Dennis’ attempt to resolve dispute by ‘giving with one hand and taking away with the other’ fails

Long running strike action by Scarborough Alexander Dennis workers is set to impact the delivery of 200 new buses for Liverpool, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

In recent days, Alexander Dennis announced it had secured a £57 million contract to supply Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with at least 207 new low and zero-emission buses. Under the contract, the number of buses could increase to 357 with a total investment of £95 million.

The 400 workers have been striking since June over pay, with further dates beginning from tomorrow. Earlier this week, members rejected a two year pay offer from the company because the second year would have left workers facing a significant real terms pay cut if inflation increases.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “With its latest offer, Alexander Dennis is trying to give with one hand and take away with the other. This is unacceptable. Unite is backing these workers all the way in their fight for a fair pay deal.”

Fresh strike action will take place on 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30 September. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Wages at Alexander Dennis in Scarborough have fallen by a fifth in real terms since 2020.

Meanwhile, the latest report for NFI, Alexander Dennis’ Canadian parent group, showed revenues increased by 18.6 per cent to over $1 billion (US) for the second quarter of 2026. Profits (EBITA) were $104.0 million, an increase of 46.9 per cent year-over-year with an order book of $12.5 billion.

Unite regional officer Dan Stephens said: “Alexander Dennis’ workforce are quite clear that these strikes will not end until an acceptable deal is offered. This obviously puts the timely delivery of the 207 new buses for the Liverpool region in jeopardy.

“The region’s combined authority will not be happy that its order could already be facing serious delays just days after the contract was signed. This dispute can end tomorrow but only if Alexander Dennis tables a deal its workers can agree to.”

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.