Transport for Greater Manchester strikes increase after employer cancels talks

Strikes by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers are going ahead today after the employer cancelled planned talks yesterday (Monday).

More than 200 Unite members, who undertake vital roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus network, began industrial action in October. 

TfGM is breaking the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter it signed up to by refusing to enter into talks with Unite to find a fair resolution to the dispute. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “During Manchester Good Employment Week, TfGM has shown itself to be anything but a good employer.

"Unite’s members at TfGM have put forward a reasonable proposal but are being let down by a leadership who are completely ignoring the charter they are supposed to follow. Strikes will not end until a fair deal is tabled.” 

The workers have rejected a below inflation 3.2 per cent pay rise and are demanding an increase that reflects the rising cost of living and the increased workloads they have taken on since the creation of the Bee Network. 

TfGM can well afford to improve its pay offer as it holds £2.1 billion in reserves. 

The workers are on strike today (Tuesday, November 25) to Friday, November 28, causing disruption across the Bee bus network. Strikes will intensify if the dispute is not resolved. 

Unite regional industrial officer Sam Marshall added: “TfGM’s excuses that it cannot afford to table a reasonable offer will not wash – it clearly can. Nor will its claims that it cannot improve on the offer because it is part of a blanket deal also offered to West Yorkshire and West Midlands transport network staff. 

“TfGM made an independent pay offer last year and can do so again. The disruption caused to passengers is entirely the fault of TfGM for refusing to put forward a fair pay offer.”