Strike action by GMB union members which was set to cause major disruption for Nottingham Express Transit services during the Goose Fair ended up being suspended after just a day with a new pay deal agreed. The new deal should see staff receive a pay increase of 8.5% over the next two years (so will hopefully avoid the same issue happening for next year\u2019s Goose Fair).<\/p>\n
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This was the second year in succession that strike action had been threatened over pay in the lead up to the Goose Fair. In 2023 it was suspended after a deal was agreed just a day before the Goose Fair started but in 2024 things went even closer to the wire with the first day of strikes (Friday 27th<\/sup> September) going ahead before the union agreed the latest offer.<\/p>\n The offer which was accepted was the fourth made by Nottingham Express Transit and in the lead up to this agreement, management at NET had expressed their disappointment. They claimed that the third declined offer was what had been suggested by the union during last minute talks to avoid the disruption.<\/p>\n With it seeming that no resolution was in prospect Friday 27th<\/sup> September saw a much reduced service in place \u2013 and one which was due to run for a full ten days until Sunday 6th<\/sup> October. During that period there would have been a limited service 27th<\/sup>, 28th<\/sup>, 30th<\/sup> September, 1st<\/sup>, 2nd<\/sup>, 3rd<\/sup> October with no trams at all running 29th<\/sup> September, 4th<\/sup>, 5th<\/sup>, 6th<\/sup> October. The limited service only saw trams running Hucknall\/Phoenix Park to Nottingham Station (0700-1540) and Hucknall\/Phoenix Park to Wilkinson Street (1540-1830).<\/p>\n But then came the news that a new pay deal had been agreed which will see staff enjoy a 8.5% pay increase over the next two years. According to numbers released by NET this means that pay rises have been given of almost 30% over the past five years.<\/p>\n Sarah Turner, Service Delivery and Safety Director at NET, said: \u201cAfter servicing Goose Fair for many years, providing a fast, cost-effective and reliable way to travel right to the event\u2019s doorstep, we\u2019re pleased to be able to continue this in 2024 now that a resolution has been agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cOur goal has always been to come up with a resolution so we can get back to keeping Nottingham moving as soon as possible, and after ongoing discussions we have been able to revise our offer to one that is satisfactory for all.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have done this through collectively developing a productivity plan with GMB union representatives which will utilise business efficiencies, to help drive the additional percentage of funding required to make our renewed payment offer affordable to the business, while still offering an above-inflation pay increase.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough we had formulated substantial contingency plans for a reduced service that would have run in the event of a 10-day strike, these would have meant that we would not have been able to service Goose Fair, which would have been extremely sad for our city. It\u2019s brilliant to share that we\u2019ll be operating as normal during the event, meaning that we can service the expected high volume of people safely, and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n Colin Whyatt, GMB Organiser, said: \u201cWe may have ruffled a few feathers in this dispute, but tram workers do vital work keeping families, businesses and communities moving. It\u2019s right that their pay lets them pay the bills and take care of their families.<\/p>\n \u201cOur light rail is Nottingham\u2019s jewel in the crown and we\u2019re delighted that this year those enjoying the Goose Fair can do so by tram\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Strike action by GMB union members which was set to cause major disruption for Nottingham Express Transit services during the Goose Fair ended up being suspended after just a day with a new pay deal agreed. The new deal should … Continue reading