UNITE will ballot its members for strike action over the use of fire & rehire tactics at Go North West buses in Manchester, the union announced today.

After talks with management broke down, the consultation of its 500 members at the company, part of the Go Ahead Group, starts on Tuesday and will end on February 9, ahead of possible strike action later that month.

The new contracts would see a 10 per cent cut in drivers, staff working longer hours for no extra pay, and employees being forced to work when sick or when they should be self-isolating as Covid-19 spreads.

Unite regional secretary Ritchie James said: “[The proposals] will result in job losses, pay cuts and slashed sick pay.

“Strike action would inevitably create a huge amount of disruption. Unite is committed to returning to the negotiating table but Go North West must first remove the fire & rehire threat.”

Unite said the company is offering favourable routes and schedules to workers who accept the new proposals within seven days — a move which amounts to intimidation, bullying and blackmail, the union says.

Go Ahead Group has been contacted for comment.