No sooner had the threat of strike action on Manchester Metrolink subsided then its reported that staff on Nottingham Express Transit are also readying to walk out, and it’s the issue of pay which is again the sticking point. According to a recent article on the Nottingham Post website members of the GMB Union are currently being balloted on the latest pay offer with Saturday 6th November suggested as a possible first strike date.
Its not known what the new pay offer is – its only revealed that an initial offer was rejected and after negotiations a further offer has been tabled for which Nottingham Express Transit are waiting a response to – but it appears from an unnamed driver in the article that one of the main issues is that tram drivers in Nottingham are paid considerably less than those in Manchester and that they wish their commitment throughout the pandemic to be recognised in light of continued cost of living increases.
A spokesperson from GMB said: “Following an improved offer from the company via ACAS mediation on 27th October 27 2021 regarding pay and terms and conditions, a workplace ballot is currently being undertaken at a local level.”
A spokesman from NET commented: “Although we were disappointed that union members initially rejected what we considered to be a fair pay offer, further talks have since taken place. As a result, an increased offer has been tabled this week and we are awaiting a response from the union. While this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
With the ballot still ongoing it would appear that a strike on 6th November is unlikely at this stage although depending on the outcome there could be strikes within the next few weeks.