Union boss warns there will be more industrial action to come if pay offer is not improved
Shudehill Interchange (Image: MEN Media)
Travel disruption is expected across Greater Manchester this week as transport bosses face a series of strikes and industrial action.
Hundreds of staff who work for Transport for Greater Manchester are involved, as members of both Unison and Unite unions plan to walk out.
The Unison members work as route planners, station assistants, engineers, IT experts, administrators, control room operators and cleaners. They are scheduled to work to rule today (November 4).
But 24-hour strikes are set to take place tomorrow (November 5) and on Friday (November 7).
From Saturday (November 8), there will be a continuous work to rule.
This is likely to bring major disruption to the transport network across Greater Manchester, says UNISON, adding action is over “inadequate pay”.
Transport for Greater Manchester workers have voted overwhelmingly to reject a pay offer worth 3.2 per cent, says the union. The union added its members are still awaiting this year’s pay rise, which was due more than six months ago.
The union says the industrial action, which will reduce the availability of transport in the city and could result in station closures, can be avoided entirely if the employer comes back with an improved offer.
Unison Transport for Greater Manchester 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.
Shudehill Inerchange in Manchester (Image: MEN Media)
“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, said: “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.”
On strike days there will be pickets outside the Transport for Greater Manchester offices at Piccadilly Place, Manchester.
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. 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.
“But we can’t meet the unions’ ask this year – including a 9 percent 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 percent in our employment costs. In the context of challenging public sector finances, it’s not affordable or sustainable. “
Unite members will also strike on Friday (November 5th) and November 12th. More than 200 workers, who undertake a variety of roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus network, and they too have rejected the 3.2 per cent pay offer.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Unite does not accept pay cuts dressed up as increases, which is exactly what TfGM is offering its staff. These workers have UNITE’S total support in their fight for a reasonable pay offer.”
The dispute is also over issues around stand by, call out and four day working week policies. The same workers went on strike for three days last month.
Unite says further industrial action will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved. Unite regional industrial officer, Samantha Marshall, said: “TfGM is entirely responsible for the disruption to passengers that will be caused across Manchester’s bus and tram network. TfGM workers are clear – industrial action will not end until a fair pay offer is put forward.”
Around 20 percent of TfGM’s 1,300-strong workforce is expected to take part in the industrial action. They include workers in office-based roles, plus frontline staff at interchanges, information points and ticket offices.
Unite is also currently balloting 320 Manchester tram drivers employed by Keolis Amey Metrolink, over working conditions and fatigue. The ballot ends on November 11th and any action could bring major disruption to Manchester over the festive period.