An initial strike by bus drivers at Stagecoach North East has been praised by the unions, with further strike action planned for tomorrow.
More than 700 Stagecoach workers walked out on Monday following a row over pay. The workers belong to the T&G.
The union has apologised to Stagecoach's customers, but is pushing for maximum disruption through strike action, with Graham Eastwood, T&G representative, saying "We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but we have no other option but to withdraw our labour." A further 24 hour strike is planned for tomorrow.
Stagecoach have agreed to grant the pay rise, but says it will do so through steady pay increases over the next two years.
Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched by police after a vital communication cable which provided radio back up to the bus service was cut during the strike, at the South Sheilds depot in Dean Road.
