Metrolink staff accept new pay deal after strikes called off
19.06.2023 - 16:33
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Metrolink staff have accepted a pay deal, ending a dispute which almost led to tram strikes during Parklife festival and other major events earlier this month. Workers will now get a pay rise of 6.5 pc as well as a £1,000 one-off payment.
It comes after mayor Andy Burnham met with union representatives in a bid to avert industrial action planned on June 10 and 11 when Parklife took place over two days at Heaton Park, The Weeknd performed at the Etihad Stadium, Roger Waters appeared at the AO Arena and Soccer Aid was hosted at Old Trafford. Trade union Unite suspended the strikes after an improved offer was made.
However, tram services were still severely disrupted over the weekend with three Metrolink lines suspended due to damaged overhead cables at Victoria. Services to Bury, Rochdale and Oldham were affected until Thursday (June 15).
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KeolisAmey, which runs Metrolink services, will cover the cost of the pay rise, but the improved offer could cost the taxpayer when the contract is renewed. Previously, the operator offered staff a 5 pc pay rise for a 15-month period.
More than 95 pc of Unite members voted to reject the deal and take industrial action after the trade union described the offer as 'woeful'. But most of the more than 600 members voted to accept the improved pay offer last week.
Unite says the deal is worth more than 9 pc for many. General secretary Sharon Graham said: "This deal demonstrates the value of being in Unite.
"Our members at Metrolink, by standing together in unity, left the employer with no option but to return to the negotiating table and make an improved offer. This is a further example of how Unite’s total focus on