The planned strikes on Manchester Metrolink, due to start on Friday 5th December, has been suspended following negotiations between Unite the Union and KeolisAmey Metrolink. The strikes had been called because of concerns over fatigue caused by the driver rotas which were said not to give enough rest.
Unite represent around 320 drivers who work for Metrolink and the strike action would have seen major disruption to tram services from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December – which was set to be a busy weekend across the Greater Manchester area with concerts, Christmas Markets and football all taking place.
The strikes have now been suspended though with a new offer on improvements to rotas and shift patterns being put to Unite members.
Colin Hayden, Unite Regional Officer, said: “Following escalation of strike action, Metrolink has come forward with potential improvements and solutions to the problems with fatigue and rotas. We have therefore put the strikes this weekend on hold to allow our members to have their say.”
If members vote to reject the offer then further planned strikes on 19th, 20th and 31st December would still go-ahead.