Transport for Greater Manchester strikes escalate

Pay strikes by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers is set to escalate - Unite, the UK’s leading union has announced.

More than 200 workers, who undertake a variety of roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus network, have rejected a 3.2 per cent pay offer. 

The offer is a real terms pay cut as the current rate of RPI inflation stands at 4.6 per cent. 

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 low paid workers, who are demanding a rise that reflects the rising cost of living, previously took three days of strike action during the second half of October. 

Along with members of Unison involved in the same dispute, they took part in strikes yesterday (November 5) with further planned on November 12. Disruption will be caused across Manchester’s bus and tram network. 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.”