More Metrolink disruption expected as further tram strikes have been scheduled

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More tram strikes Manchester dates

Further disruption to the Bee Network is now expected during an already full-on time of year, as more Metrolink tram strikes have been scheduled over the festive period.

Three more, to be specific.

A series of strikes by Metrolink workers have already taken place this season over concerns not regarding pay, specifically, but rather the current schedules and subsequent safety risks.

Put in the simplest terms, members of Unite the Union have said: “The dispute is over driver fatigue and fears that their shift patterns and lack of rest breaks are putting them and passengers at risk.”

As a result, they have now pencilled in protests on 19, 20 and 31 December, holding walkouts from their usual timetable.

A largely empty St Peter’s Square tram stop is a fairly rare sight to see. (Credit: The Manc)

In addition to the other pair of strikes planned for this coming weekend (5-7 Dec), the latest trio have been specifically timed in and around key dates on the city’s calendar.

As well as the return of Manchester’s firework display on St. Peter’s Square, the walk-outs will also coincide with a Manchester City fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as well as notable live music gigs like Jools Holland and Manc band, Doves.

Naturally, tens upon tens of thousands are set to use the Bee Network and trams, in particular, to travel to these events – reiterating just how important properly investing and staffing the Metrolink and other arms of Manchester’s public transport service is.

The most recent update from the union continues: “Unite has repeatedly raised issues with management, but has been told there is no funding available for improvements to working patterns.”

Their General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said as part of the most recent statement: “Driver fatigue is a serious problem. Our members are raising serious concerns about their and their passengers’ safety, but Metrolink management is burying its head in the sand.

“Management must sort this problem out once and for all. It can’t try to fob drivers off by putting profits before safety.”

Here are some of the scenes from the demonstrations earlier this year:

Union members have also clarified their position surrounding ‘fatigue’; it isn’t just the fear of possible risks in operating a tram whilst being “exhausted”, but both the wider mental and physical toll that working the current shift patterns has on workers.

One driver quoted as saying: “My colleagues are tired, but the fatigue is also giving them cold-like symptoms and many have been going off sick with stress, which adds to problems with staffing levels.”

So, if you’re planning on using the Metrolink this holiday season when travelling around for Christmas shopping or even just going home, make sure to keep the strike dates in mind.

Elsewhere, the Bee Network has also provided more information on the designs to bring tram lines to Stockport town centre. Read more down below.

The vision to bring trams to Stockport takes a step forward with plans to use underused railway line
It could be huge for the borough.

Read more:

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Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/The Manc Group

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