Union tells owners of Go North East to 'stump up' over strikes

Go North East operates services from six depots across the region

The owners of a bus firm where workers are striking indefinitely must intervene to bring industrial action to a halt, say union leaders.

Go North East has been unable to run almost all its bus services in the region after 1,300 staff walked out.

Parent company Go-Ahead, which is based in Newcastle, said it "supported" Go North East's approach to negotiations.

Unite accused the firm of forgetting the Tyneside workers "who helped build its transport empire".

Thousands of bus services across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Teesside have been suspended since Saturday, as part of continuing industrial action - causing widespread disruption.

It comes after staff voted to reject a 10.3% pay rise this year, followed by an above-inflation rise next year, claiming they would still be paid less than workers at sister company, Go North West.

Go North East staff previously staged two separate weeks of action in September and October

Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The Go-Ahead group has plenty of money and doesn't hesitate to pay its chief executive officer a six-figure salary, but won't stump up the cash for those who do the real work driving its buses.

"Go North East was built on the backs of workers on Tyneside, and yet it has now forgotten the communities that helped build its transport empire," said Ms Graham.

"Unite will be fully supporting our members in their fight for fair pay

The union has previously committed to paying striking workers up to £70 each day for as long as the action continues, which could be at least twelve weeks.

• Why are bus drivers striking indefinitely?

Go-Ahead, which runs several other bus and rail companies across the UK, told the BBC that the firm was "devolved", meaning decisions are made locally.

"Nevertheless, we support the approach being taken by Go North East's management and we consider the offer of a 10.3% pay rise, on top of a 10% rise a year ago, to be a compelling one.

"Go-Ahead is proud to be a north-eastern business, employing more than 2,000 people in the region," the company stated, adding it was "committed to being a major investor" in the North East.

It is understood further talks between Go North East and the union will take place next week.

Go North East has said it is "committed" to working with the union to resolve the dispute.

Go North East is owned by Newcastle-based parent company Go-Ahead