Workers represented by the GMB Union will be going on strike over the busy Goose Fair period due to an ongoing dispute over this year’s pay deal. In the usual tit-for-tat press releases Nottingham Express Transit have said they have made a fair offer whilst the GMB Union say the operator are refusing to listen to their own workforce.
Negotiations over pay started back in January and NET made a final pay offer on 19th June. This offered a 3.3% increase and a 7% increase for the lowest paid roles, with further improvements offered for night workers.
This offer was rejected by union members, with GMB negotiators requesting a 4.1% increase instead. The union have now stated that the operator refuse to negotiate any further which led to a ballot with 88% voting in favour of strike action (its not clear if this is 88% of all members or of those who voted).
As a result of the ballot strike action will be taken as follows:
0500 Saturday 26th September to 0459 on Monday 28th September
0500 Friday 2nd October to 0459 on Sunday 4th October
In addition no overtime will be worked between 0500 on Monday 28th September until 0500 on Friday 2nd October.
A reduced temporary timetable will need to operate during this time, with further details set to be released in due course.
Sarah Turner, Managing Director of NET, said: “After spending many months in discussions with GMB, it’s incredibly disappointing that the decision has been made to go ahead with strike action that will bring the whole city to a standstill, and targets a popular annual event that’s really important for Nottingham. Each year, Goose Fair sees thousands of visitors flock to the Forest Recreation Ground to enjoy what is, for many, one of the highlights of the year.
“The news will have a massive impact on the upcoming event and the wider city, as it will mean we will not be able to run a tram service that takes Goose Fair visitors directly to the event. This could put attendee safety at risk, by putting an incredible amount of additional pressure on bus services and transport routes, resulting in overcrowding, bottlenecks, additional traffic and more.
“We understand the ongoing financial pressures and rising living costs many people across the nation are facing, which is why we regularly review our salaries, offering pay rises across the board. In fact, over the past six years, we have increased pay by a total of 29.8%, an increase that proudly puts our staff pay levels well above the national average. However, the pay increase GMB is calling for is financially untenable and way above current inflation levels.
“Like many transport operators across the country, we’re still experiencing the effects of a challenging economic climate. However, we’re committed to doing all we can to ensure Nottingham’s tram network continues to be a reliable and convenient mode of transport the city can be proud of. The upcoming strike action will not only pose challenges for our wider operations, but it also puts a vital part of the city’s infrastructure at risk too.
“Following GMB’s decision to go ahead with strike action, we remain open to further talks, and we hope we can come to a resolution soon, so we can continue to keep the trams moving for the many passengers who rely on the tram for work, leisure, study and more.”
Colin Whyatt, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “GMB members have been left with few options, as Nottingham’s tram bosses point blank refused to listen to their own workforce. Goose Fair is peak time for our tram network, with tens of thousands set to descend on Nottingham for the weeklong celebration. Our door is always open, but tram bosses are fast running out of track to get this fixed”.