(13 Oct 2023, 8:28 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Unlike the Go North West strikes where they drafted in coach operators who were still recovering from Covid and had plenty of drivers and vehicles spare at the time, the only alternative probably it to hire a load of agency drivers (like they did for Metro Replacements), however that could also cause issues down the line with buses getting lost, and you going to end up with one getting stuck under one of the many low bridges in the area (probably the one near the Metrocentre). Either way it's not looking good for either party (GNE or Unite) as they are just blaming each other whilst the drivers are stuck in the middle getting abuse and unsure on what's happening next.
The GNW strike was also at a time when operators were receiving plenty of government subsidies, not to mention ENCTS reimbursement at 2019 levels (rather than actuals)
There's none of that with this GNE strike. They're being hit in the pocket, won't be able to claim actuals on ENCTS, issuing refunds to their own customers, and likely a loss of income through contract work they're unable to fulfil.
Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk