The threat of strike action on Manchester Metrolink has ended after members of Unite the Union accepted a new pay offer. Strikes had initially been planned earlier in June after staff rejected a 5% pay increase (which was combined with a change in when the annual pay award would be made from January to April so this was in effect a pay rise covering 15 months) but after further negotiations a new offer was made which has now been accepted.
The new offer gives staff a 6.5% pay increase alongside a £1,000 one-off payment. Unite have said that for many staff members this equates to a roughly 9% pay increase.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite the Union, said: “Our members at Metrolink, by standing together in unity, left the employer with no option but to return to the negotiating table and make an improved offer. This is a further example of how Unite’s total focus on the jobs, pay and conditions is paying direct financial dividends for its members.”
There has been intervention in the original dispute by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, who was aware that the planned strike action over the weekend of Parklife would have caused major disruption for the many attending these events.
Transport for Greater Manchester are at pains to make it clear that the pay rise will be paid for by operator, KeolisAmey Metrolink and would not be coming out of any existing budgets. A spokesperson said: “The cost of the salaries payable to its staff are the responsibility of KeolisAmey Metrolink as part of its contract to operate and maintain the network. Any impact on TfGM/GMCA would only arise beyond the contract term.”