Over 1,000 Go North East employees may strike due to safety concerns and alleged mistreatment by management.
Unite says Go North East threatened staff. Workers faced dismissal and suspensions. This happened for raising safety concerns. Depots in Tyneside and other areas are affected.
Staff reported safety problems. One issue is CCTV on double-decker buses. The union says some were sent home. Some even got final warnings.
Better buses allegedly went to North West. Go Ahead got a large contract there. A strike could disrupt commuters. A Go North East strike happened in 2023. It badly hurt the local economy then.
Unite’s leader, Sharon Graham, commented. She cited “appalling management practices.” Workers allegedly signed papers under threat. Some felt forced to resign. The union now consults members on what to do.
The 2023 strike cost the region £10 million. People couldn’t reach jobs or school. Medical appointments were also missed. The strike lasted seven weeks last year. It ended with a pay deal.
A Go North East spokesperson responded. They stated a commitment to high safety. They introduced safety briefings for drivers. The briefings covered best practices. They prevent double-decker bus bridge strikes.
The spokesperson said most supported this. However, seven drivers declined to sign. They then faced temporary suspension. The issue got resolved, and they returned.
Go North East is a major transport provider. Their buses handle about 175,000 journeys a day.