Unite,  which represents over 400 bus drivers at Go North West, has written to the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham urging him to intervene, having becoming increasingly alarmed at the company’s plans to continue to run services when strikes begin.

It follows the Company’s pledge to run an alternative service from Sunday.

Unite understands that Go North West is subcontracting its routes to other smaller bus companies, including Selwyn’s and Belle Vue coaches.

It is also understood that as part of the ‘alternative bus service’ drivers will be brought in from beyond the Greater Manchester area, including from Wales.

Unite has urged the Mayor Andy Burnham to intervene as the buses which are set to be used do not have the Covid-19 shields that protect the drivers from potential Covid exposure from passengers.

“I would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience they may be caused, and urge Unite to end this game of brinkmanship by halting the stoppage for the benefit of our community.”

According to the Company,many of the working practices inherited at Queens Road when Go North West took over the depot have been in use since the 1980s, including customs long since dropped by other bus companies.

Go North West drivers are still paid to rewind manual destination blinds on vehicles (buses have had digital displays since the end of the last century), are allocated unnecessary ‘spare’ shifts with no work content and are allowed to curtail journeys (if necessary, asking passengers to leave the bus mid-destination) if they are late finishing a shift.

However the union says that there are  concerns that an ‘alternative service’ could result in overcrowding and increase exposure risks. Additionally, bringing in drivers from beyond the northern Greater Manchester area will increase the risk of the virus being transmitted inside and outside the area.

Unite understands that Go North West’s ‘alternative service’ will require the approval of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee in order to operate, as it amounts to sub-contracting Go North West’s routes.

Unite has also raised serious concerns with the Welsh government, which has effectively closed the border between England and Wales, as it believes that this is not essential travel.

Unite North West regional secretary Ritchie James said: “Rather than seek a solution to the dispute, Go North West is instead intent on creating a health crisis.

“Rates of Covid-19 infections remain far too high and Go North West’s ‘alternative service’ lack the essential protections that Unite has ensured are in place on its normal fleet of buses.During a lockdown it is simply reckless to be unnecessarily bringing workers in and out of the area, as it will inevitably result in an increase in infections.

“It is imperative that Andy Burnham intervenes and makes it clear that this ‘alternative service’ does not have his blessing or support.

“My message to passengers thinking about using the ‘alternative service’ is to consider if this is the safest way of making your journey.

“The forthcoming strike action is being taken reluctantly by our members, especially during the pandemic. However, they feel they have no other option after Go North West introduced its brutal fire and rehire plans.

“Even at this eleventh hour strikes can still be averted by Go North West withdrawing its fire and rehire plans and entering into meaningful negotiations.”

Go North West managing director Nigel Featham said: “Unite’s strike is completely unnecessary and will make life harder for key workers in the middle of a pandemic. We have stepped up and made contingency plans to lay on buses so that NHS workers can get to hospitals, teachers can get to schools and retail workers can get to essential shops. We are determined the travelling public don’t lose out.

“Changes to working practices proposed by Go North West will bring the company in line with terms standard across the industry and which Unite has already agreed at other bus companies. Unite has described Queens Road bus drivers as having ‘crown jewel’ conditions but unless these are modified to reflect the modern world, the business will continue to make heavy losses putting 600 jobs in serious doubt.

“I would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience they may be caused, and urge Unite to end this game of brinkmanship by halting the stoppage for the benefit of our community.”

Accoirding to the Company,many of the working practices inherited at Queens Road when Go North West took over the depot have been in use since the 1980s, including customs long since dropped by other bus companies.

Go North West drivers are still paid to rewind manual destination blinds on vehicles (buses have had digital displays since the end of the last century), are allocated unnecessary ‘spare’ shifts with no work content and are allowed to curtail journeys (if necessary, asking passengers to leave the bus mid-destination) if they are late finishing a shift.

 

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