Nearly 20% pay rise for north-east NatEx drivers

Drivers working for National Express in the north east of England are set to receive a 19.6% pay increase.

Drivers will receive an over 10% pay rise back-dated to July 2023 and then further rises in July of this year and January 2025 bringing the total increase to 19.6% over two years until the next anniversary in July 2025.

The pay rise comes after prolonged negotiations between trade union Unite and National Express, including the threat of industrial action when negotiations stalled.

“National Express drivers in the north east are rightly celebrating this hefty pay rise” – Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “National Express drivers in the north east are rightly celebrating this hefty pay rise that they, and Unite, worked hard to obtain. This proves once again that Unite is the winning union and the power that collective bargaining brings to workers.”

“This is a well-deserved pay rise that they fought hard for” – Unite regional officer, Dave Telford

Unite regional officer, Dave Telford, added: “I’m delighted for our members at National Express who do a highly skilled and stressful job driving long distance coaches and having the responsibility for the safety of hundreds of passengers every day. This is a well-deserved pay rise that they fought hard for and that Unite backed them every step of the way.”

Go North East is the operator of the services these employees drive.

A Go North East spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have agreed a strong pay deal for our drivers that secures wages for two years.”