GO SOUTH....literally

The second day of the Industrial Tribunal that will decide on RMT member Ashley Reed's claim for unfair dismissal against Go South Coast (GS) Ltd t/a More Bus took place today at Southampton Magistrates' Court. (Tuesday 24 March 2026) 

Cross examination, including questions from the tribunal panel led by Judge May, by the GS solicitor of Mr Reed, which began after lunch yesterday, was concluded around midday. 

Reed was followed into the witness box by Martin Conder, a highly experienced bus driver who has frequently taken on the role at various bus companies in the Bournemouth area of trade union representative within the Transport & General Workers Union/UNITE and RMT. The GS legal representative spent no more than 10 minutes asking questions of Conder whose 3,000 word statement in support of Reed has now been entered into court records. 

After lunch, Alanah Hughes, the assistant operations manager at the time of Mr. Reed's dismissal, took occupation of the witness box and was cross examined by Reed, who in the absence of support from his trade union had been forced to take on the role of defending himself without legal backing. 

Dismissal came after RMT union reps at the Bournemouth GS depot had submitted grievances against Mr Reed to the employer when they could have instead decided to use the internal trade union structures to resolve matters of difference, particularly in relation to poor rates of pay and conditions. 

When Ms Hughes' contradictory evidence on one key aspect of the case was highlighted she struggled to maintain her composure. Members of the panel asked some additional questions of Ms Hughes before she concluded her testimony and court proceedings ended for the day.

The case will continue tomorrow and Thursday with a decision set to be announced on Friday. 

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