Unite and Unison have announced that pay strikes by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers will “escalate” this week, with industrial action set to take place today (November 5). TfGM said travel in and around East Manchester is set to be particularly busy with multiple major events taking place across the city centre.
With Manchester City hosting Borussia Dortmund in the Champion’s League, Busted vs McFly performing at Co-op Live and a several Bonfire Night celebrations taking place across the city-region, roads and public transport are expected to be busier than normal. Plus, more than 200 TfGM workers who undertake a variety of roles, including ticketing, passenger assistance, and information services for the bus network, are taking part in industrial action. TfGM is encouraging people to plan and allow extra time to make their journey.
The news follows Unite’s announcement last week of almost 320 members who work for KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) Limited, part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, being balloted to go on strike during the busy festive period.
Why are some TfGM workers in Manchester going on strike?
Some TfGM workers have rejected a 3.2 per cent pay offer, which Unite stated 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.
When will the TfGM pay strikes take place?
Unite and Unison members involved in the same dispute, TfGM workers will strike today (November 5) and Wednesday 12th November, causing possible disruption to both Manchester’s bus and tram network. With workers taking part in industrial action, this means some facilities such as ticket offices and toilets may be closed, however bus and tram services will run as normal.
According to Unison’s picket line calendar, Unison members are also expected to take industrial action on Friday 7th November, when Manchester Christmas Markets start, and Friday 14th November, which may also cause some travel disruption.
How to get around Manchester this evening (November 5)
Trams run every six minutes from the city centre to Etihad Campus, with hundreds of free park and ride spaces available across the Metrolink network for people to complete their journey by tram and beat the traffic. There are also dedicated matchday buses for every Manchester City match, and a well-lit walking route from Piccadilly Station which takes around 25 minutes.
TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “We’re expecting a very busy evening across the network, with tens of thousands heading into the city for football, live music and Bonfire Night events. Our advice is simple: plan ahead, allow extra time, and consider using free park and ride options to beat the traffic.
“We will have as many staff as possible on the network and be running as many services as we can to ensure that the Bee Network is here to help you get where you need to go quickly and safely.”
“Industrial action will not end until a fair pay offer is put forward.”
The union has said 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.”