No takeover of Stagecoach should negatively impact workers’ rights and conditions, says Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, in his response to the news that National Express and Stagecoach are to merge in late 2022.
Both companies announced a merger on 14 December 2021 following agreement from shareholders. The decision will create a company worth £1.9 billion, with a fleet of 40,000 vehicles and 70,000 workers nationwide.
Unite the union has also expressed its concern about workers’ rights following the announcement, especially after recent pay disputes between Stagecoach bosses and drivers. During that dispute Alex and Unite called on Stagecoach bosses to pay drivers equally after it emerged Teesside drivers were being paid £1 less than their counterparts in Tyneside.
Alex said:
“Workers should not pay the price of any merger and I will supporting Unite representatives where I can to ensure that workers’ rights and conditions are not negatively impacted by this takeover.
“I hope the newly expanded company will work with Unite to respect current agreements – including recently won through the pay dispute in November – and commit to protect jobs, pay and conditions. I also hope the new company will work towards parity of pay an show that they value Teesside drivers as much as those in Tyneside by paying drivers equally.”
