With huge bus strikes coming later this week, Greater Manchester is preparing for travel chaos, and now there could be even more joining the picket lines. Around 200 Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) workers are being balloted for industrial action over pay and could join 2,000 bus workers in the city on strike.
The workers, who undertake a variety of roles including ticketing, passenger assistance, and information services for the bus and tram network, have rejected a 3.2% pay offer. The offer is a real terms pay cut as the current rate of RPI inflation stands at 4.8%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This insulting offer is a pay cut dressed up as a rise. TfGM needs to come back with a deal that reflects the increasing cost of living. These workers will receive Unite’s full backing in their fight for fair pay and conditions.”
The dispute is also over issues around stand-by, call out and four-day working week policies. The ballot closes on 1 October, with members of the Unison union also involved in the dispute.
Unite regional officer Howard Percival said: “Unite rejects any claims that TfGM cannot improve on the offer because it is tied to a blanket deal also offered to transport network staff in the West Midlands and West Yorkshire. TfGM is free to make an independent offer and that needs to happen. Any disruption caused to passengers will be entirely the fault of TfGM for failing to do so.”
Meanwhile, more than 2,000 workers employed by Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester and First Bus Rochdale working for Manchester’s Bee Network will strike later this week (19-22 September), in a similar row over pay.
TfGM Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “Bus operators across the country are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. We are encouraging operators and their unions to continue talks, reach agreement and avoid disruption for passengers.
“Around two-thirds of buses will not run if bus operator staff take industrial action. We know this will impact people’s ability to get around and we’re very sorry for any disruption or inconvenience.”