Victory declared in fire and rehire strike

Unite has proclaimed a “great victory” after announcing that bus drivers at Go North West in Manchester have defeated attempts to fire and rehire them, after agreeing a deal which will end a long-running industrial dispute.

The deal was presented to a mass meeting of drivers, followed by a workplace ballot where the union's members voted to accept the negotiated agreement, bringing the 85 day strike to a close.

Crucially, the union says, the company has agreed to its demand that it will never use fire and rehire in any form. The deal followed negotiations with representatives of Go North West’s parent company, Go Ahead Group.

The drivers began continuous strike action on 28 February. The strike attracted support from, among others, mayor Andy Burnham and former Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “This is a tremendous victory by Unite’s members at Go North West who, through their dedication, solidarity and commitment, have defeated the attempt to fire and rehire them.

"We're also delighted to have secured a clear commitment from the Go Ahead Group that fire and rehire will never be used by them, bringing relief to thousands of workers who feared that they were next.”

Unite says the strike is the longest in its history as a union.

https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2021/may/huge-victory-at-manchester-go-north-west-as-unite-defeats-fire-and-rehire-to-end-strike