The deal agreed between Unite and Go North West contains several key victories for the drivers, including a pledge from both Go North West and its parent company Go Ahead Group not to use fire and rehire tactics in future.
Andy Burnham slams Go North West bosses, promising that bus franchising will be ‘no race to the bottom’
Fire and re-hire has no place in Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said. Standing for re-election as Greater Manchester Mayor, on Wednesday he slammed the bosses of Go North West, currently in a ‘fire and re-hire’ dispute with bus drivers. Mayor Andy Burnham said: “I do not believe that the way in which this has been […]
‘Fire and rehire’ plans by Go North West force bus drivers into strike action
Bus drivers in Manchester employed by Go North West voted 82% in favour of taking industrial action against the bus company for its ‘fire and rehire’ practices, on a 77% turnout.
Unite, represents the drivers, stressed there was still time for Go North West bosses to return to the negotiating table.
Manchester bus drivers poised to ballot on strike action as Unite and Go North West talks collapse
Unite will ballot 485 bus drivers on strike action if Go North West does not return to the negotiating table. The decision to consider balloting was made in response to the bus company announcing it will no longer negotiate with the union and will instead consult drivers individually.
Westminster has failed Britain on Palestine. What can we do next?
The role of global protest since the beginning of Israel’s most recent attack on Gaza cannot be underestimated. Co-ordinated, international shows of solidarity have kept the issue relevant and on the front pages. Without feet on the ground in cities across the world there would likely not have been an ICJ hearing or investigation into the ongoing Israeli genocide. Subsequently, Westminster has found itself reluctantly debating a subject it ordinarily avoids.
“The show must go on”: Oldham Coliseum’s alumni come together in bid to save theatre
The theatre and arts world was rocked on Tuesday by the decision to cancel all shows at Oldham Coliseum Theatre after their funding bid to the Arts Council was rejected. Some of the industry’s leading lights have spoken out about the decision and reflected upon what the historic venue has done for them over the years.
“We are going to make 2023 a fightback year. We need to change the conversation.”
Wednesday 30 November saw local leaders gather at Friends Meeting House for the sixth annual meeting of The People’s Powerhouse. Those in attendance included Andy Burnham, Nazir Afzal, Bev Craig, Steve Rotherham, Tracy Brabin and Oliver Coppard. The Meteor went along to hear what they had to say.
Manston refugee scandal is just the tip of the iceberg, with North West asylum accommodation dilapidated and overcrowded
Sunday 6 November saw a crowd gather in Manchester’s St Peter’s Square, calling for the shutting down of the Manston immigration centre in Kent and to demand better treatment of asylum seekers nationwide.
STAND UP + FEEL GOOD: Contact Hostel addresses gender inequality in comedy
Addressing the gender imbalance in comedy, Contact Hostel organised an all-female lineup show at Feel Good Club café in the Northern Quarter, with all of the money raised going towards vulnerable teenage girls in Manchester.
Manchester celebrated as ‘northern humanitarian powerhouse’
In 2020 ‘over five million women, girls, boys and men in over 100 countries’ were provided humanitarian aid by Manchester based organisations.
BBC Rap Game UK contestant Meduulla premieres a song written specially for the event to reflect ‘Global Manchester’.