Transport workers 'pause' strike planned for the weekend before Christmas

Strikes at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are OFF this weekend after staff agreed to ‘pause’ industrial action’.

TfGM workers walked out over pay last Thursday and Friday in a row over pay and parental leave policy.

More strikes were scheduled for this weekend coming (December 20-22), but these have now been cancelled.

The development comes after mayor Andy Burnham and TfGM chief executive Caroline Simpson sat down with union leaders for face-to-face talks on Friday, which UNISON regional organiser Kevin Dolan called ‘very encouraging’, because it ‘not only improved the financial offer to our members, but made firm commitments on other items such as on call payments and family friendly policies’.

It’s understood management’s offer to staff was ‘full and final’, and included major reforms to the parental leave policy, and a salary rise of between 7.33-8.9 per cent for the lowest-paid TfGM workers.

“Following further discussions, we’re pleased that unions have agreed to pause all industrial action and put the latest pay offer to a member ballot,” confirmed TfGM managing director, Steve Warrener. “Whilst any inconvenience to passengers was managed well last week, we’re hopeful that we can reach agreement on the offer next week and avoid any further strikes.”

A spokesperson for the trade unions involved explained how the dispute may be resolved next week: “UNISON and Unite welcomed the involvement of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and TfGM’s CEO Caroline Simpson on Friday, which assisted in the development of an improved offer for TfGM staff. 

“Union members are now voting on the offer, which was put to them without a recommendation to accept or reject. The result will be announced on Monday (December 23). If members reject the offer, industrial action would resume while the unions continue working hard to find an acceptable resolution to the dispute.”

If the offer is accepted, all industrial action will stop and staff will be back at their desks as normal before Christmas. However if the deal is rejected, industrial action short of strikes — including work-to-rule and a ban on overtime working — will resume on Christmas Eve.

But Howard Percival, Unite regional officer, said the union would not stop making the case if the rift heals: “Our members in Unite have had years of low pay and have taken action as a last resort to bring the employer back to the table and improve the pay and conditions.

“We will hold the employer on its commitments regarding the family friendly policies and urge early discussions in January as our members won’t allow this to be kicked into the long grass and forgotten, we need improved protection for working people.”