Manchester tram workers announce strike action as GMB members vote ‘unanimous’ - full strike dates announced

Manchester is set for further travel disruption which will run into October. This comes as tram workers who are part of the GMB union voted unanimously for industrial action. 

Four days of industrial action have been announced by the union. Strikes will take place on September 29 and then October 6, 13 and 20. 

It is expected that the action will impact heavily on Greater Manchester's metrolink tram network. The union has said members are “angry about the erosion of their terms and conditions since the contract, currently operated by Bidvest Noonan, was outsourced.”

Shaun Buckley, GMB Organiser, said: “Manchester’s tram workers have delivered a 100 per cent yes vote to take industrial action to demand the return of their sickness benefit scheme and bank holiday pay rates. 

“Since the contract was outsourced, GMB members have suffered worse terms and conditions and a merry-go-round of changing employers winning contracts to clean the trams. 

“If Transport for Greater Manchester, the Manchester Mayor’s Office and Bidvest Noonan want to stop travel chaos for the city, the must stop the erosion of terms and conditions for these already low paid workers.”