Strikes by 320 tram drivers working for KeolisAmey Metrolink Limited this weekend have been put on hold after their employer came forward with an offer of improvements to rotas and shift patterns.
The drivers, members of Unite, were due to walk out from this Friday (December 5) to Sunday (December 7) in a dispute about fatigue, a lack of proper rest breaks and rota patterns which they felt put themselves and passengers in danger.
The drivers work at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots in Manchester and operate trams on all routes in Greater Manchester.
However, industrial action is now postponed following negotiations between Unite, the employer and Transport for Greater Manchester, which have ended in a new offer for drivers. They will now be balloted from now until Friday (December 5) on whether to accept this. If the ballot is unsuccessful, strike action on December 19, 20 and 31 will go ahead.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "Following escalation of strike action, Metrolink has come forward with potential improvements and solutions to the problems with fatigue and rotas.
"We have therefore put the strikes this weekend on hold to allow our members to have their say."
Police searching for man wanted on recall to prison
Two men have been arrested following a 10-minute vehicle pursuit after burglary in Oldham
Police officer ‘seriously injured’ in alleged violent brawl at Oldham pub
All aboard for festive feasting as TPE unwraps its new seasonal menu
