Tram strike this weekend which would have affected Great Manchester Run suspended
The tram strike which had threatened to cause transport chaos for this weekend’s Great Manchester Run has been suspended.
Unite workers on Metrolink had been set to walk out for two days on Saturday and Sunday (25 and 26 September) as part of a pay dispute.
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Hide AdHowever, the industrial action has now been suspended after staff received an improved pay offer.
What was the planned strike?
The strike action this weekend was the first of four scheduled days of walk-outs as part of a dispute between leading trade union Unite and Keolis/Amey, which operates Metrolink,
It had been set to cause extensive disruption on a very busy weekend in the city, with Manchester United playing Aston Villa at home on Saturday and the Great Manchester Run taking place on Sunday.
The workers had been previously offered a one per cent pay increase spread over a 15-month period, which the trade union had furiously denounced as a large pay cut in real terms due to inflation levels.
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Hide AdHowever, extensive talks between the union and senior management at Keolis/Amey on Monday 20 September resulted in a vastly improved offer.
The trade union is now recommending workers accept this when they vote on it.
What has the union said?
Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “Unite had been clear from the outset that the previous pay offer was not fit for purpose but if management at Keolis/Amey tabled an acceptable offer, strikes could be avoided. “The suspension in strike action will allow our members to fully consider the improved pay offer.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By taking a stand our members have forced management to return to negotiations and table a greatly improved pay offer. “This demonstrates when Unite is wholly dedicated to advancing jobs, pay and conditions we can get a better deal for our members.”