Strikes threatened on Nottingham Express Transit

Nottingham’s famous Goose Fair could be targeted again by the GMB Union with strike action on the city’s trams after members voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking action. The dispute again centres on pay with the union stating that the offer made to their members falls short of expectations.

The press release from GMB states that 90% of workers at NET have backed strike action although it does not give any details as to what the pay offer they consider not to be suitable has been.

Colin Whyatt, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “Our members want nothing less than to take action during one of Nottingham’s busiest weeks. Tram workers do vital work for our city, keeping families, workers and businesses moving every single day. They’re facing huge cost of living pressures and all they’re asking for is a pay packet that covers the bills.

“Tram owners Keolis make eye watering profits, it’s only right that workers are rewarded for their hard work. Tram bosses must urgently come back to the table and find a way forward on this”.

This is the second year in a row that union members have been poised to take strike action over pay. In 2023 the strikes were called off at the last minute after members accepted a deal which was reported at the time as giving a 10% increase (they had previously rejected an offer between 6.75% and 9%).

Update 12/9/24

In response to the threat of action, Nottingham Express Transit Service and Delivery Director, said: “We understand the ongoing cost of living pressures, which is why we regularly review our salaries and have awarded more than 20% pay increases since 2020, bringing our staff pay levels to well above that of the national average. The further 10% increase that GMB is calling for is simply not feasible.

“Like many other operators across the UK we are still experiencing the effects of COVID on passenger numbers. However, during this period, we remained committed to supporting our staff and not only resolved to not furloughing anyone during COVID, but all employees were also awarded pay increases during the pandemic too.

“Our current offer that was rejected was an increase that would have guaranteed another above inflation rise in 2025 too, to offer stability to our workers as well as to us as a business and, of course, the people of Nottingham who will be hugely affected by these strikes with many unable to attend the event as a result.”