(02 Apr 2024, 8:00 pm)Storx wrote Guessing it must be a reletively positive offer, which might be accepted, since they've suspended the strike action.

I know we all have our feeling about Arriva, and rightly so, but it's nice it appears they actually want to avoid the strike, unlike other companies in the North East and also rail services which were more interested in playing high school politics.

Conversely, I think it's concerning management have caved in this early.
It's as though they knew what it would take to keep the drivers happy.

Why not offer them it initially?
Why wait until it gets to this stage and potential disruption in addition to miscontent and apathy in the workforce?

(02 Apr 2024, 9:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote Conversely, I think it's concerning management have caved in this early.
It's as though they knew what it would take to keep the drivers happy.

Why not offer them it initially?
Why wait until it gets to this stage and potential disruption in addition to miscontent and apathy in the workforce?

Aye no disagreements to be fair, mind I don't blame them in a way, the union until now at Blyth sounded very weak so sounds they took their chances they'd get another bad offer through.

Not saying that's morally right mind or good for moral etc.

(02 Apr 2024, 9:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote Conversely, I think it's concerning management have caved in this early.
It's as though they knew what it would take to keep the drivers happy.

Why not offer them it initially?
Why wait until it gets to this stage and potential disruption in addition to miscontent and apathy in the workforce?

I don't understand why companies do it. As you suggest, it causes more disruption in the workplace than most other things would.

It often feels like it's being used to buy time, knowing how long it takes to go through ballots etc, but I've also known companies use the ballot as a measuring stick. Getting a high turnout is always important, as it gives the company a clear indication that the workforce are united on the issue.

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(02 Apr 2024, 11:59 pm)Adrian wrote I don't understand why companies do it. As you suggest, it causes more disruption in the workplace than most other things would.

It often feels like it's being used to buy time, knowing how long it takes to go through ballots etc, but I've also known companies use the ballot as a measuring stick. Getting a high turnout is always important, as it gives the company a clear indication that the workforce are united on the issue.

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I do wonder if with this one, the ongoing takeover process has added an additional complication as well.

(02 Apr 2024, 11:59 pm)Adrian wrote I don't understand why companies do it. As you suggest, it causes more disruption in the workplace than most other things would.

It often feels like it's being used to buy time, knowing how long it takes to go through ballots etc, but I've also known companies use the ballot as a measuring stick. Getting a high turnout is always important, as it gives the company a clear indication that the workforce are united on the issue.

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£££ imo. It's worked enough over the years as bus drivers have been getting crap wage increases and their terms eroded for years now which has led to the mess they're in pretty much anyway.

Right or wrong, but those at the top only care about one thing and that's how much money they take home. Moral etc was irrelevant until recently, as there was a queue of people waiting to replace them.

Mind why they're doing now it is stupid but Feetham and Ben Maxfield pretty much publically displayed how much they care about their workers and Arriva NE / Yorkshire will be riddled by Feetham's legacy.

Looks like the strike is back on.

Perhaps our very own and thoroughly pleasant Daniel will be on hand to provide short-noticed replacements, assuming he's not out parading in front of the bus media, getting his photo taken?

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(05 Apr 2024, 4:13 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Looks like the strike is back on.

Perhaps our very own and thoroughly pleasant Daniel will be on hand to provide short-noticed replacements, assuming he's not out parading in front of the bus media, getting his photo taken?

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With technology the way it is, I wonder if they could just get hold of some old photos of MG and photoshop our very own Daniel's head on to it. 

They strike a similar pose.

Just spotted that Arriva UK Bus are looking for a new HR Director for Shared Service, Reward and MI. Obviously things won't happen overnight, but it'll be interesting to see if they start to change their ways regarding how they look after their staff.

Not sure if this has just passed me by - is this still happening next week? I can't seem to see any updates since they said they were suspending the first week whilst they took an offer back.

(17 Apr 2024, 11:34 am)Chris 1 wrote Not sure if this has just passed me by - is this still happening next week? I can't seem to see any updates since they said they were suspending the first week whilst they took an offer back.

Still seems to be going ahead judging by their replies on Facebook:




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Cheers, that post wasn't there when I checked earlier this morning.

So they're advising people if they ask about strike action, but not putting a general post out or any update on their website? 'Live Bus Service Updates & Disruptions' is still blank. 



You'd think they'd want to give customers as much notice as possible, so that they can make alternative arrangements, etc. 

Why do these companies find it so difficult to communicate effectively with customers?!

(17 Apr 2024, 5:40 pm)Adrian wrote So they're advising people if they ask about strike action, but not putting a general post out or any update on their website? 'Live Bus Service Updates & Disruptions' is still blank. 



You'd think they'd want to give customers as much notice as possible, so that they can make alternative arrangements, etc. 

Why do these companies find it so difficult to communicate effectively with customers?!

Having seen the post earlier, I asked the driver on the way home if he knew what was happening and he said he didn't really understand what was happening. If the drivers don't know, I'm worried ?

(17 Apr 2024, 5:45 pm)Shrek wrote Having seen the post earlier, I asked the driver on the way home if he knew what was happening and he said he didn't really understand what was happening. If the drivers don't know, I'm worried ?

It'd usually indicate there's been no deal (even in principle) agreed yet. I think realistically, and to avoid any industrial action, they'd need to have a deal out for members by noon tomorrow and workplace ballot Friday/Saturday.

They're cutting it fine, that's for sure.

Strike is suspended. New offer 6.1% to go to ballot. £15.01 allegedly top hourly rate of the offer.

(17 Apr 2024, 5:45 pm)Shrek wrote Having seen the post earlier, I asked the driver on the way home if he knew what was happening and he said he didn't really understand what was happening. If the drivers don't know, I'm worried ?

Why worried? From what my mate was telling me the number of cancelations on the 44/45 recently its hard to tell they weren't on strike already.

Do what ive done and just use your car - doesn't strike, no knackars at the back play carp music, swearing, etc takes you to and from your door.... might cost a little more but wont let your down!

(18 Apr 2024, 10:01 am)Rob44 wrote Why worried? From what my mate was telling me the number of cancelations on the 44/45 recently its hard to tell they weren't on strike already.
 
Do what ive done and just use your car - doesn't strike, no knackars at the back play carp music, swearing, etc takes you to and from your door.... might cost a little more but wont let your down! 

Not even if the ex-crocodile is there?

MrsC has let me down AND plays crap music. Often swears too. Whether in the front or back.

(18 Apr 2024, 10:17 am)Andreos1 wrote Not even if the ex-crocodile is there?

MrsC has let me down AND plays crap music. Often swears too. Whether in the front or back.

If my car lets me down I tend to look for an upgrade/newer model.

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(18 Apr 2024, 10:17 am)Andreos1 wrote Not even if the ex-crocodile is there?

MrsC has let me down AND plays crap music. Often swears too. Whether in the front or back.

nah she just sits there quite since she spotted me in town talking to two female newcastle fans a few weeks ago... WOMEN!!!

(18 Apr 2024, 10:34 am)MurdnunoC wrote If my car lets me down I tend to look for an upgrade/newer model.

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I've done that with previous MrsC's when they've let me down

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(18 Apr 2024, 4:21 pm)Rob44 wrote nah she just sits there quite since she spotted me in town talking to two female newcastle fans a few weeks ago... WOMEN!!!

Hope she's not the 'Baby Reindeer' type? 

(it's on Netflix if you haven't seen it)

(18 Apr 2024, 10:01 am)Rob44 wrote Why worried? From what my mate was telling me the number of cancelations on the 44/45 recently its hard to tell they weren't on strike already.

Do what ive done and just use your car - doesn't strike, no knackars at the back play carp music, swearing, etc takes you to and from your door.... might cost a little more but wont let your down!

The local Facebook groups are crying out for action and I'm sure our local Councillors will be telling them they're forcing Arriva to make improvements soon enough!

I parked the car at a friend's today and thought I'd use their GNE service to get to work instead. That didn't work so well either ?

(18 Apr 2024, 4:37 pm)Shrek wrote The local Facebook groups are crying out for action and I'm sure our local Councillors will be telling them they're forcing Arriva to make improvements soon enough!

I parked the car at a friend's today and thought I'd use their GNE service to get to work instead. That didn't work so well either ?

I don't think anyone knows what the answer is, no doubt some will shout that franchising will be the magical fix to everything but it won't be as there's simply not the driver's. Having Stagecoach at Blyth offering the exact same wages and terms (which is this deal appears to be is) isn't exactly going to magically find Driver's from fresh air.

i get my mate to post on Hazlerigg FB group that these passengers that want arriva out and GNE in what to be careful what they wish for!

Using Arriva services over the last few days, you can see how much happier the drivers are. Very chatty with passengers, just a different vibe about them. It just shows companies what you get when you pay staff what they deserve.