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500+ Bus Drivers Threaten Strike Over Pay Gap
13 May
Summary
- Over 500 bus drivers in Greater Manchester may strike.
- Drivers reject a 3.8% pay offer from Go North West.
- Pay disparity exists with rival operators Bee Network.
- Ballot for strike action begins on June 2.
More than 500 bus drivers operating in Greater Manchester are considering strike action over a substantial pay gap. Employees of Go North West, which manages routes in Bolton, Denton, Heywood, and Wigan, have rejected a 3.8% pay increase. The Unite union highlighted that Go North West drivers earn £15.51 per hour, significantly less than the £19.06 received by their counterparts at other Bee Network-franchised companies like Metroline and Stagecoach.
A ballot for strike action is scheduled to commence on June 2, involving nearly 600 drivers from Go North West. Unite stated that any potential industrial action planned for the summer months could cause severe disruption for passengers. The union's regional officer, John O'Neill, placed responsibility on Go North West for any such disruption, citing the company's refusal to offer a fair deal.
