Strike ballot opens for 600 Bee Network bus drivers

Workers employed by Go North West in Bolton, Denton, Heywood, and Wigan are being balloted for strike action by the union Unite.

The dispute centres around claims of ‘significant’ pay disparities with Bee Network drivers working for other operators under the same network.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “Go North West can more than afford to close the huge pay disparity these workers are suffering despite doing exactly the same job as their Bee Network colleagues.

“Unite never stops fighting for our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and the Go North West drivers will receive their union’s full support.”

Bee Network drivers working for Metroline and Stagecoach currently earn £19.06 per hour, while Go North West drivers are paid £15.51.

The workers have rejected a 3.8 per cent pay offer.

Go North West, part of the Go Ahead Group, reported revenues of £3.8 billion in the 18 months to December 2024 and paid out £80 million in dividends.

The strike ballot runs until June 2.

Industrial action could cause widespread disruption to bus services across Greater Manchester.

John O’Neill, regional officer for Unite, said: “Go North West will be totally responsible for any disruption caused to passengers because it is refusing to offer a fair deal.

“There is still time for industrial action to be avoided, but that will require the company tabling a deal that is acceptable to its drivers.”