Northumberland bus routes could be hit by strikes as Arriva drivers and engineers in Blyth and Ashington balloted by Unite

More than 300 Unite members working at Arriva’s Blyth and Ashington depots will be balloted for industrial action between March 5 and 19.

Arriva had offered a four percent pay increase, but this was rejected by the union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Arriva’s behaviour is deplorable. This is a profitable company which has been caught red handed trying to inflict a real terms pay cut on its workforce.

“Arriva is making a grave mistake if it thinks it can undervalue the importance our members bring to the company.

“Without them there is no bus company, their pay and conditions must reflect the work that they do day in and day out.

“The Arriva workers have the full backing of Unite in this fight for a decent pay rise.”

According to Unite, Arriva drivers are paid less than their colleagues at follow operators in the region Go North East and Stagecoach. The union also claimed Arriva has a history of below inflation pay offers.

US private equity firm I Squared is currently in the process of taking over the Sunderland based firm from its current owner, German transport company Deutsche Bahn.

Unite regional officer Dave Telford said: “This ballot will demonstrate the strength of ill-feeling at Arriva over the poor pay offer they have offered our members when energy bills and mortgages have gone through the roof. Unite will be backing them 100%.”

Arriva declined to comment.