JUBILANT bus workers in Manchester spent their 81st day on the picket line today after defeating a multinational transport conglomerate in a battle against the imposition of fire-and-rehire contracts attacking their pay and conditions.

The 400 bus workers at the Queens Road depot of Go North West walked out on February 28 at the beginning of what is now the longest strike in the history of their union Unite.

The strike inspired support and solidarity that included moving acts of generosity from local residents who live near the depot and the backing of MPs, councillors and trade unions in the north-west of England and beyond.

Go Ahead, parent company of bus operator Go North West, finally caved in and dropped its fire-and-rehire proposals. A new agreement was accepted by the strikers on Monday.

Today pickets gathered at the depot as their shop stewards met local management to arrange the details of a return to work.

Among the pickets was veteran Len Newnham, who at the age of 73 is still working after 56 years as a bus driver.

“I’ve been a picket for 80 days. I’ve never missed a day. This is my 81st day,” he told the Morning Star. “The support from the community has been absolutely fantastic — the people who have come along and given us donations.

“We had a lady come from Chester to give us £50. Another lady would not get on a bus when a scab was driving and she walked to work every day. Her fare was £2.50 a day, which she saved up and gave us as a donation.

“The support has been overwhelming.

“People would ask us what the strike is about. It’s not about pay: it’s about fire and rehire, making us work longer and that.

“There’s been rain, wind, it’s been freezing, but we have all stuck together, and there’s young people who’ve just come into the job, never been on strike before.”

Picketing with him was 30-year-old Marian Potts, who has been a bus driver on and off for six years. It was her first strike.

“I didn’t know what to expect," she said.“I’ve been overwhelmed, the amount of support we’ve received.

“People have understood. We’re just working people fighting for our rights.”