Tyne Tees Television report transmitted 15 October 1974 on a surprise strike by Newcastle bus drivers following suspensions of eight conductors the previous day. The public were not informed, which has caused chaos in the city. Interview with Alan Bull, Chairman of the local branch of the PTE union, about the situation. The report opens on a queue of traffic trying to get into Newcastle along Westgate Road. Pedestrians also make their way along Westgate Road into the city. The reporter says...

Tyne Tees Television report transmitted 15 October 1974 on a surprise strike by Newcastle bus drivers following suspensions of eight conductors the previous day. The public were not informed, which has caused chaos in the city. Interview with Alan Bull, Chairman of the local branch of the PTE union, about the situation. The report opens on a queue of traffic trying to get into Newcastle along Westgate Road. Pedestrians also make their way along Westgate Road into the city. The reporter says that the Newcastle public were caught unaware by the strike which is causing chaos in the city. The strike was called following the suspension of eight conductors by the Tyneside Passenger Transit Authority for refusing to collect new fare increases. [picture section missing] Alan Bull, Chairman of the PTE branch union, is interviewed. He says that the union had warned management that any suspensions would cause a walkout by all members. He didn’t want it to come to this situation, but if any member is suspended for carrying out ‘branch policy’ he would have to withdraw the whole membership. He says that he is available all day to resolve the problem and resume normal working, but the executive are difficult to get a hold of today.   The reports says that there had been suggestions the previous week that the Saturday strikes had reached an agreement. Mr Bull replies that there was something to report back to members, however they didn’t accept it with the conditions attached. The reporter says that even if this new strike is resolved today, the Saturday striking will continue. Mr Bull reiterates that he is here all day to speak with management to resolve all issues. It was hard on the public catching many by surprise, was there no opportunity to let them know? Mr Bull replies that they try to be in a position in all negotiations to warn the public, and he has every sympathy. However, the executive sprung this situation on them. He finishes by saying there was a meeting yesterday, but these suspensions were not mentioned.