The planned three day strike due to take place on Manchester Metrolink later this week has been called off after Unite and KeolisAmey Metrolink reached an agreement over a new pay deal. Workers were due to take industrial action between Thursday 25th and Saturday 27th July but it has now been confirmed that this will not be taking place.
The strikes has been called as union members were angry over both a “woeful” pay offer and the overall unfairness of the pay structure where it took drivers four years to reach the top of pay scale. KAM had originally offered a 4.5% pay increase for this year but the union were looking for guaranteed above inflation increases for the next three years.
The new pay deal will see:
- Customer services representatives at the bottom of their pay scale seeing a minimum increase of 14% over the next three years
- Customer service representatives at the top of their pay scale seeing a minimum increase of 9% over the next three years
- Progression of pay scale for customer service representatives has been shortened from 3 years to 12 months
- Drivers will see a minimum of 9% increase over the next three years
- There will also be a reduction of the pay progression scale reducing it from four years to three, allowing new starters to achieve the top rate within the new pay deal adding thousands to their pay
Colin Hayden, Unite regional officer, said: “Metrolink had sought to short-change our members and undervalue their hard work and skill. Through tough negotiations and by being prepared to walkout they have secured a new pay deal that will put thousands in their pockets over the next three years. This demonstrated the financial value in joining a union.”