(28 Jan 2014, 7:52 am)Dan wrote Do think Stagecoach have missed a trick by not having it on during half term. I'm sure there would be a few young lads interested in going if they saw it advertised on the buses!
Of course it means parents are likely to be at work too...!

(28 Jan 2014, 7:42 am)Dan wrote Well I'm meant to be in school... but perhaps I could 'go to the dentist' at 2pm or so?

(28 Jan 2014, 10:19 am)aureolin wrote See if gtomlinson will write you a sick note.

On a serious note though I think I'll take the day off on leave and head over. Is it open doors or invite only?

(28 Jan 2014, 9:23 pm)Dan wrote Anyone know if 35158 is still at Hartlepool?
Haven't seen it on 8s in Sunderland over the past few days, but don't arrive into town at the time I did before to see them now...

SIS-35158.JPG (Size 380.37 KB | Downloads 34)

(28 Jan 2014, 9:26 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Was on the 1 yesterday, believe its loan might extend beyond the 3 weeks as the Dart it's covering is currently at South Shields

(28 Jan 2014, 10:47 pm)ROBIN wrote Dan. Do You have a photo of 35190 newly painted since it came back to South Shields. Regards Robin

(31 Jan 2014, 8:09 am)Michael wrote Sunderlands LED Man (22021?) has a smashed emergancy exit window, driver said the kids threw something at it and its broke.

Its now heading towards red house north after sitting at the bus stop on grindon lane for 5 mins.

Should be changed at wheatschef when it gets their.

(31 Jan 2014, 8:13 am)Dan wrote That one has evaded my camera on so many occasions and I guess it will for a few days longer now!

WORKERS at a city bus depot could be walking out on strike as a row over pay escalates.

The GMB union is to ballot its members at the Wheatsheaf depot for industrial action over this year’s pay award.

Stagecoach has offered workers a 2.4 per cent pay rise over 15 months, a deal which has been rejected by GMB members.

Now, the union is asking staff to vote on whether they are prepared to take action, including a possible walkout.

GMB northern regional organiser Steve Gibbons said ballot papers would be going out next week and the vote was expected to take another week to 10 days.

He said: “We believe the offer is not enough, considering our members have taken below inflation pay rises for a number of years, while Stagecoach have enjoyed decent profits.

“The workloads of our members have increased and there are constant attacks on other terms and conditions by the company.

“The potential dispute comes at a time when Stagecoach is seeking support from GMB members in relation to Quality Contracts.

“Until now that support has been there, but continued attacks on terms and conditions and an undervaluing of the workforce, makes the grass look greener on the other side.

“If the company continues its current path, then it may be a case of ‘stop the bus, I want to try another one’.”A Stagecoach spokesman said: “The company has put forward a range of increases from 2.1 to 2.4 per cent for periods of 12 to 15 months, which the local GMB branch has recommended to members.

“We have not asked for any changes to terms and conditions of work and believe our offers are extremely fair.

“Stagecoach North East has provided secure employment through the recession and continued to invest in our business in Sunderland, whilst absorbing many increasing costs.

“Recent investment includes £2.5million in 21 new buses in the last few months, with a further 17 new gas buses about to go into service.

“We would urge the workforce to accept one of these very reasonable offers.”

(31 Jan 2014, 12:55 pm)Chris wrote And it's here.

Be interesting to see what they do settle at, given the spectre of quality contracts hanging over.

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(31 Jan 2014, 2:57 pm)Robinwtait.19 wrote Dan. 22669 is it back at Stockton yet have not seen it for days after the Engine was Fixed. Also have not seen 35190 for the last couple of days since its repaint. Regards Robin

(31 Jan 2014, 10:02 pm)Arcticrossy92 wrote Remember years ago when Stagecoach Newcastle has a batch of Trident ALX400's. I believe they were transfered to Stagecoach manchester (swapped with something perhaps)

Does anyone no where this batch of buses are now if they have been split up and spread across fleets