Bus and tram services will run as normal – but some facilities such as ticket offices and toilets may be closed
Control room operators are among those taking part in the action, Unison said(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Hundreds of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) staff are walking out in a row over pay today (Thursday, October 30).
Employees of the organisation who are members of the trade union Unison, and who work as route planners, station assistants, engineers, IT experts, administrators, control room operators and cleaners, are among those taking part in the action.
More than 200 members of Unite who work in a variety of roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information are also involved.
They do not include Metrolink drivers and staff – who are employed by Metrolink operator KeolisAmey – or Bee Network bus drivers, who are employed by franchise operators.
TfGM, which runs the Bee Network, say bus and tram services will run as normal and interchanges will be open, but that some facilities, such as ticket offices and toilets, may be closed.
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The striking staff are taking action in response to what unions have described as an ‘inadequate’ pay offer. Unison said their members at TfGM had voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to reject a pay offer of 3.2 per cent.
TfGM say they have asked for ‘a 9 per cent pay rise for all staff and a four-day working week with no loss of pay’ and that they ‘can’t meet the union’s ask this year’ as its ‘not affordable or sustainable.’
Services will run as normal and interchanges remain open, but some facilities such as ticket offices and toilets may be closed, TfGM said(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The striking workers are due to assemble outside TfGM’s city centre offices, near Piccadilly train station, this afternoon, before taking part in a march and rally.
Unison have around 400 members at TfGM, which employs almost 1,300 people.
Unison said further strike days are planned next Wednesday and Friday (November 5 and 7). Unison also announced four periods of ‘action short of a strike’ from Monday October 27 to Wednesday October 29, Friday October 31 to Tuesday 4 November, and on Thursday 6 November, culminating in a continuous ‘work to rule’ from Saturday 8 November.
Unison’s TfGM branch secretary, Tony Wilson, said: “Transport for Greater Manchester staff have faced major changes to the network and have taken on lots more responsibilities in their jobs. Their pay should reflect that.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea(Image: PA)
“These transport staff deserve proper recognition for all they do and a decent wage offer that matches their skills, dedication and the critical work they do.”
Unison General Secretary, Christina McAnea, added: “The rising cost of living continues to affect workers and simply can’t be ignored by employers. It’s unacceptable that staff are being offered a below-inflation pay rise.
“The decision to strike is never taken lightly, but the strength of feeling among the workforce is clear and they are willing to walk out. Transport bosses need to improve their offer and avoid the threat of disruption across Manchester.”
Unite, who have more than 200 employees taking part in today’s strike action, TfGM’s offer was a ‘real terms pay cut.’ They said their dispute also concerned ‘issues around stand by, call out and four day working week policies.’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This offer is a pay cut disguised as a rise and is an insult to TfGM’s hardworking staff. Unite never accepts attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions. These workers have their union’s full support in taking strike action.”
Steve Warrener, Managing Director at TfGM, said: “We’re continuing discussions with the unions and are doing all we can to limit any impact on passengers on strike days.
“Bus and tram services will run as normal and all our interchanges will be open, but some facilities – such as ticket offices and toilets – may be closed.
“We’re absolutely committed to TfGM being a rewarding place to work and build a career, with good pay, terms and conditions. But we can’t meet the unions’ ask this year – including a 9 per cent pay rise for all staff and a four-day working week with no loss of pay.
“This would amount to an increase of around 30 per cent in our employment costs. In the context of challenging public sector finances, it’s not affordable or sustainable.
“We’ve made several proposals to the unions. Our current offer particularly supports those on our lowest pay bands, ensuring that no-one earns less than £15.10 per hour, the equivalent to an annual salary of over £29,000.”