(23 Mar 2024, 8:43 pm)RobinHood wrote The pay rate is the headline, but it is far from the ultimate benchmark.

The consideration of paid breaks (still exist for large proportion of drivers in Durham County for example), plus the black and white rules around paid time (some operators only pay actual platform time, others pay shift time etc).

Only when you build that picture up, do you truly understand the value of the role.

For example, a lower rate paid right through can actually work out better value than a high rate, only paid when you are physically sat in the cab. Both duties might be 10 hours, with 8.5. hours driving time. Driver on £13.50 paid through gets £135. Driver on £15 only paid for platform time gets £127.50. Exactly the same length of time spent essentially at work. Don't be seduced by the rate.

That doesn't for one minute suggest that 4% is or isn't a fair deal, but a simple comparison of pay rates is not a barometer.

Thank you for the insight. I’m salary based with flexi time personally, so unpaid elements of a shift aren’t things I really need to think about.

Out of interest, are Arriva trying to alter any terms and conditions?

From a new starter perspective, taking salary alone would I be right in thinking that GNE and ANE are broadly similar in terms of how drivers are paid? So GNE in effect sign on to sign off minus 30 mins and ANE sign on to sign off minus 45 mins?

Blyth/Ashington and GNE both quote 39 hours. Assuming 4% that would make Northumbria £14.72 vs GNE @ £14.84 come June. But GNE I’m on top rate quicker.