Spending power of striking workers’ wages have fallen by 20 per cent since 2020

Pay strikes by 400 Scarborough workers employed by bus maker Alexander Dennis will escalate from later this month, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The workers have rejected a four per cent offer from the company after the cost-of-living crisis was compounded by years of sub-par pay increases.

Between August 2021 and May 2026, the Retail Prices Index (RPI) rose by approximately 35.1 per cent, meaning prices increased by about a third over that period.

During the same period, wages at Alexander Dennis increased by only 15.3 per cent, meaning the wages have fallen 19.8 per cent behind the cost of living.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers have seen their pay plummet in real terms. Enough is enough. Alexander Dennis must come back with a pay offer that matches their hard work and commitment. Strikes will not end until that happens.”

The workers’ first round of strike action took place from 25 June to 1 July. They will strike again, shutting down the factory’s operations, from 16 to 20 July. Further dates will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional officer Dan Stephens said: “Alexander Dennis is entirely responsible for the disruption at its Scarborough factory. It could put forward an acceptable offer but is choosing not to. That is the only way this dispute will end.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.