In terms of TUPE, the staff would/should go to the new operator not the emergency stand in if my understanding is correct? Obviously, this would need organising prior.

From my personal experience at GNE, I moved onto a contract where my main and guaranteed bit of driving was a scholars contract. GNE handed back the contract and I was eligible to move (if I wanted) to the new operator. However, GNE management didn't know how TUPE worked and I was paid off (no the wonder Mr Fairchild can't fathom it out if a huge company like the Go Ahead Group couldn't).

Drivers employed specifically for a contract, should be eligible to stay with that contract (that's what the union told me).

Outside the transport industry, my wife works for a charity providing statutory services which is paid for by a local authority. Every time the service goes to tender she gets TUPE to the new service provider. Her pay, benefits (sick pay and holiday entitlement) are different from the employees of the new organisation but she gets the chance to 'align herself' with the new companies pay and conditions (normally means taking a pay cut) but she isn't obliged to.

This isn't the first time City drivers haven't been paid - indeed several walked away after promises of payment never materialised some months ago.

If City stuck to rail replacements, would we be in this situation now? Gateshead Taxis, for all they get slated, seem to do alright from contract work.