Driving a 12 tonne double decker bus isn’t as simple as passing a driving test
Drivers have raised safety fears and office managers get behind the wheel in a bid to break the Sunderland bus strike today.
Almost 200 Stagecoach bus drivers in Sunderland have begun strike action today [Tuesday 11 October 2022]
But in a bid to undermine industrial action, Stagecoach North East bosses are getting behind the wheel of the 12 tonne double decker buses to run a reduced service.
The management team have the required license, but little or no experience on the roads.
Sunderland bus drivers are on strike a being offered a massive real terms pay cut of just 4 per cent, with 2 per cent to follow later in the year.
Stuart Gilhespy, GMB Organiser, said:
“Driving a 12 tonne double decker bus isn’t as simple as passing a driving test.
“To be fully in safe control of these vehicles around buy roads takes proper, on street experience.
“Buses deliver the most precious cargo in the world; people and their children.
“Instead of trying to break the strike and put people at risk, Stagecoach should concentrate on giving drivers a wage they can live on.”
