A transport giant has responded to an indefinite strike which will shut down all of its services.

Members of Unite have voted against accepting a proposed 10.3% pay rise from Go North East (GNE), with the  union labelling the offer “insulting."

It means that a continuous walkout by drivers, engineers, maintenance workers and depot crews will begin on Saturday (October 28).

A GNE spokesperson said they were "incredibly disappointed" by the decision and added they will do all they can to resolve the dispute quickly.

They said: "We are incredibly disappointed that Unite members have voted not to accept our latest improved and above-inflation pay offer, inflicting yet further disruption on our customers in the region.

"There will now be no Go North East buses running from tomorrow, 28 October for up to 12 weeks. We will continue to do all we can to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible.

"We understand the detrimental impact this situation is having on our customers, our communities, and our local economy - we urge Unite to reconsider their position, act in good faith, and show a genuine willingness to resolve this dispute for the benefit of their members and our customers."

There have been warnings that the mass industrial action will cause “untold damage” for passengers who rely on Go North East buses and who have already endured two week-long strikes this month.

On Wednesday (October 25), the transport giant announced it had tabled a 10.3% pay rise offer that would see drivers paid £14.15 an hour, alongside a guaranteed above-inflation pay increase next year too.

Cllr Martin Gannon, chair of the North East joint transport committee, called on GNE to resolve the issue immediately.

He said: “I am hugely disappointed that talks have failed and the Go North East strike looks set to go ahead. The impact will undoubtedly be devastating for our communities and the many people who need the bus to get to work, education and urgent appointments.  

“Local people will be forced to either stay home or pay for expensive taxis to get around in many cases – this is completely unacceptable. I understand just how impactful this has been for the public and have spoken with many residents who are anxious about this ongoing situation and want an end to the industrial action.  

“Enough is enough. Go North East has to resolve this dispute immediately as they have a significant responsibility to the people in this area who rely wholly on the bus.”

The union claimed its members were “struggling to meet even a basic standard of living” and faced “nightmarish stress at work”.

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Unite regional officer Mark Sanderson said: “We have repeatedly asked Go North East for a fair pay increase and again and again dragged their feet and refused to make a decent pay offer.

"We have drivers pushed to the brink of tiredness, working all hours God sends and skipping meals to make ends meet – yet their employer shows nothing but callous disregard for their wellbeing.

 “Go North East have massively misread the strength of feeling from their workers on this issue and Unite will be backing them the whole way.”