Metrolink: Unite strike called off as “substantial” pay deal agreed with Manchester workers

According to Unite, hundreds of workers are now set to receive a “substantial” pay rise. Customer service representatives at the bottom of the scale, for example, are set to see their wages increase by 14%. 

The time it takes workers to move along the pay scale has also been reduced from three years to one year. This is also the case with drivers, who have also seen their wages increase by 9%.

Drivers, engineers, business support and customer service staff had been set to strike from Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27 - impacting Manchester Day and UFC 304 among other events.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a hard-fought and well-deserved pay award for Metrolink’s workers. The initial pay deal was well short of their expectations and by standing together as a union, and with the threat of strike action in the mind of the employer, they have negotiated a vastly improved deal. 

“Once again this shows Unite does what it says on the trade union tin – winning improved pay and conditions for our members time and again.” 

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden added: “Metrolink had sought to short-change our members and undervalue their hard work and skill. Through tough negotiations and by being prepared to walk out they have secured a new pay deal that will put thousands in their pockets over the next three years. This demonstrated the financial value in joining a union.”