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Metrolink workers set to strike and bring Manchester to a ‘standstill’ this summer

"This is intolerable, and our members will not accept it."

Emily Sergeant - 16th July 2024

Metrolink workers are set to bring Manchester to a “standstill” this summer as they take strike action over low pay.

With staff working across Greater Manchester‘s tram network said to be “furious” over a current “toxic pay structure” and a proposed “woeful” pay offer, it has now been announced that more than 600 members of the Unite union at Metrolink will stage industrial action and walk out later this month in a bid to make an impact during a busy summer of entertainment.

Drivers, engineers, business support, and customer service staff will be striking from next Thursday 25 July, through to Saturday 27 July.

The dates of the strikes will see Manchester “grind to a halt”, according to Unite, and affect visitors to Peter Kay’s shows, UFC 304, and this year’s Manchester Day.

Nearly 200,000 visitors are expected in Manchester over the three-day strike period.

“It’s reprehensible how companies worth billions like Keolis and Amey can value their workers so poorly while lining the pockets of their shareholders. This is intolerable and our members will not accept it.” @UniteSharon

Industrial action will take place from 25-27 July 🪧 pic.twitter.com/F459XK5VU9
— Unite North West (@Unite_NorthWest) July 11, 2024

Workers are said to be angry that Metrolink was only prepared to make them a pay offer of a 4.5% increase in 2024, despite years of “below-inflation pay increases”, according to Unite, and are also “furious” at the pay structure that requires tram drivers to wait four years to get to the top of their pay scales.

Because of this wait, Unite says workers lose up to £15,000 as a result, despite doing the exact same job as their other colleagues.

Unite says its members at Metrolink want guarantees of above-inflation rises over the next three years, due to accepting less than inflation (RPI) last year and a reduction in the pay progression scales within the drivers and customer service roles.

Metrolink workers are set to strike and bring Manchester to a ‘standstill’ this summer / Credit: TfGM

“It’s reprehensible how companies worth billions can value their workers so poorly while lining the pockets of their shareholders,” commented Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, ahead of the Metrolink strikes next week.

“This is intolerable, and our members will not accept it.

“Unite’s commitment to protecting the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is absolute ,and our Metrolink workers will have the union’s total support throughout this dispute.”

Featured Image – TfGM