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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Manchester Metrolink tram strike back on as pay row continues

A planned strike by Metrolink staff in Manchester over pay, timed to coincide with the city's marathon, is back on.

More than 300 drivers and supervisors who are members of Unite will stage a one day strike on Sunday, October 10.

The union said the action is in response to the "poor pay offer" put to the workforce. Talks held recently broke up when the contractor Keolis/Amey "refused to improve that offer".

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The strike had initially been suspended after workers received a "greatly improved pay offer".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Metrolink’s workers have continued to keep Manchester moving during the pandemic. They deserve fair pay.

"Keolis/Amey must understand that Unite is dedicated to advancing our members' pay and conditions. Unite's members will have their general secretary's full support throughout this dispute."

Unite has also announced strikes for Friday, October 15, and Monday, October 18, and a further strike on Sunday, October 24, when Manchester United will play Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The initial pay offer amounted to a 1% increase for a 15-month period, "in reality a real-terms pay cut", Unite said.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts added: "The tram contractor, Keolis/Amey, can avoid disruption to the Manchester marathon and our city's other big sporting events by tabling a respectful and decent pay offer.

"Even at this late stage management has the power to avoid these strikes by improving the pay offer. The ball is now in Keolis/Amey’s court."

Metrolink is operated and maintained by a joint venture company Keolis/Amey which holds the contract to run the Transport for Greater Manchester-owned service.

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