Go North East shoots down ‘stalemate’ claims in dispute

Go North East has denied claims by trade union Unite that talks to end strikes at the operation have reached a stalemate.

Unite claimed the most recent round of talks to resolve the dispute ended with a ‘stalemate’, with strikes across the Go-Ahead Group-owned operation set to continue indefinitely.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Go North East’s utter unwillingness to improve its pay offer in the slightest shows its blatant disregard for the wellbeing of its workers and the communities they serve.

“Go North East could end the strikes with a stroke of a pen by utilising the merest fraction of its profits but it is choosing not to do so.”

Despite these words, a spokesperson from Go North East said: “It’s a surprise to hear that talks have ended in a stalemate. Talks are ongoing.”

More than 1,300 Unite members working for Go North East embarked on all-out continuous strike action from 28 October in a dispute over pay and conditions.