Unite says its members working at Arriva Northumbria are celebrating after an industrial dispute with their employer resulted in what the trade union says is a substantial pay increase. Although workers had voted for industrial action, Unite says that Arriva ‘came back to the negotiating table at the last minute’ and it was able to secure a 6.1% pay increase for all staff from 21 April plus a £350 lump sum payment.
The union says that the pay award brings wages into line with the best bus company pay in the region. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members at Arriva Northumbria should be congratulated on their hard-fought campaign that has seen them receive a significant and well-deserved pay increase. This shows the strength of the union movement and why Unite will always back its members in their disputes with employers who think they can get away with underpaying their staff.”
Unite regional officer Dave Telford added: “The workers at Arriva will be heading to work with their heads held high after this excellent pay victory. Unite has refused to allow our drivers and engineers to be underpaid and this is a direct result of their determination to stand firm against their employer.”
