Christmas travel plans across Cambridge are set to be thrown into disarray as a dispute between Stagecoach East and Unite the Union escalates into a series of strikes affecting some of the busiest days of the festive season.
Around 200 drivers and engineers based at the Cambridge depot are preparing to walk out on 17, 20, 22, 24 and 27 December after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer, raising concerns over severe disruption to commuter, shopper and leisure routes.
Stagecoach says it had put forward what it describes as a “fair and affordable” two-year deal, offering a 5.7% increase this year—above inflation—and a further 3% next year.
The proposed rises, the company explains, were negotiated on the basis of cost balancing, including reductions to overtime rates: 12% on weekdays and 20% on weekends and bank holidays. The cuts to overtime payments were a key sticking point for employees, according to Unite.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, expressed disappointment at the decision to strike, particularly at a time of year when demand for bus services is at its highest. “We are disappointed that our offer of a pay increase has been rejected by drivers and engineers at Cambridge depot,” he said.
“Similar offers have been accepted at both our Fenstanton and Peterborough depots, and we remain committed to ensuring that drivers do receive an affordable pay increase.”
Roe emphasised that Cambridge drivers already have the highest earnings in the region—averaging £45,273—and have benefited from pay rises above inflation in previous years.
He warned that the strike action would cause “unnecessary disruption across our Cambridge-based communities,” urging Unite to reconsider and return to the negotiating table.
Unite, however, insists the dispute rests on fairness and the protection of existing terms.
General secretary Sharon Graham argues that Stagecoach’s profits—£97.3 million operating profit on £1.6 billion in sales last year—demonstrate the company’s ability to offer a pay deal without reducing overtime rates.
“Stagecoach is a profitable company and can absolutely afford to offer a pay deal that does not reduce overtime rates,” she said. “Stagecoach’s Cambridge workforce has our full support.”
Unite regional officer Mark Plumb placed responsibility for the looming disruption squarely on the operator. “Stagecoach is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to passengers,” he said.
“Industrial action can still be avoided, but that requires the company to make an acceptable offer.”
Stagecoach says it will attempt to run a reduced service on strike days, with normal operations continuing on the Busway and in the Peterborough and Bedford regions.
Passengers are being urged to check the Stagecoach app for updates before travelling, particularly on the five strike dates when service levels are expected to be significantly affected.
With both sides standing firm, Cambridge residents now face the prospect of festive travel headaches unless a last-minute breakthrough emerges.
