Stagecoach drivers across Stockport and beyond continue to strike on this final day of action (14 August), after having rejected a renewed offer that deprived them of back pay. 

Members of Unite the Union took part in a march through Stockport town centre, and could also be seen picketing outside the Stagecoach depot and on Wellington Road / A6. 

A statement from Unite on the rejected pay offer reads: "While an improved offer of around 14.3% was made - taking the hourly rate to £16 an hour - the deal would have been implemented from September rather than June, the agreed anniversary date for pay rises. Instead, a £750 one-off payment in lieu of full back pay was offered."

Outside the depot near Daw Bank, a spokesperson for Unite described a 'positive' period of action in Stockport.

"The response from the public has been very good. We've had an excellent turnout", the spokesperson told Nub News. "It's been a very positive experience for everybody. For a lot of people, this is the first industrial action they've been involved in. 

"Everyone involved has worked very hard. They've turned up, they've worked shifts on the picket lines. Everybody has pulled their weight - it's been fantastic. 

"Hopefully, this will have brought the company back to the table. But if that's not the case, we do have other dates planned. 

"We'd like the general public to understand that this is not done to inconvenience them.

"Effectively, the company is taking our back pay from us. Any readers that are impacted by this - if they could let the company know they need to pay their drivers fairly, that would be very much appreciated."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said of the strike action generally: "Stagecoach is making huge profits and can afford to improve this 'strings attached' offer to one that is implemented from the correct anniversary date.

"Stagecoach has unnecessarily dragged out a dispute that could have been resolved months ago and is now trying to move the goal posts. Our members at Stagecoach Manchester will receive their union's full backing as they strike for a fair pay rise."

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