Transport workers from the union Unite are going on strike this December with possible disruption for Salford residents using buses across the city.
Around 200 union members are set to strike during the Christmas period, consisting mostly of lower-paid staff members at Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). The roles of those striking include ticketing, passenger assistance and information services.
The strike will commence from Thursday, December 12, to Sunday, December 15, with further action planned from the 20th to the 23rd. If an agreement is not reached strike action will escalate.
A spokesperson for TFGM has reassured the public, stating: “This won’t impact bus or tram services and they will continue to operate as normal so people will still be able to get around.”
However, a Unite Senior Communications Advisor believes the contrary, commenting: “It will have issues in travel shops and support at all bus stations, support and advice.”
The workers previously rejected an increase of £1,290 explaining that the proposed pay rise does not account for the cost of living crisis and reverses the fall in their wages in real terms. Talks with the company have fallen through as they failed to account for all pay grades.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at TfGM undertake an essential role in keeping public transport functioning. It is disgraceful that the company thinks that institutional poverty pay is acceptable.
“Unite never takes a backward step in protecting our members jobs, pay and conditions and the workforce at TfGM has the union’s complete support.”
Further statements came from the union with Unite regional officer Howard Percival said: “The strike action will cause serious disruption across public transport throughout Greater Manchester but TfGM has brought this dispute on themselves through its poverty pay rates.
“It is in TfGM’s hands to resolve this dispute it needs to return to the negotiating table with a realistic offer that addresses low pay for all the affected workers.”
TFGM have since released a statement where Steve Warrener, Managing Director of Transport for Greater Manchester has said- “We recognise the need to support our hard-working colleagues facing cost of living pressures. But we also need to balance this with the challenging financial situation in the public sector. That’s why the several pay offers we’ve made to the unions, over and above the Local Government Association settlement, have been weighted to deliver the largest increase to those who are paid the least.”
He continued with – “If the strikes do take place, buses and trams will still run as normal, keeping Greater Manchester moving, and all interchanges will remain open. However, there would likely be a reduction of available staff to sell some ticket products and some facilities – like toilets – may close on strike days.”
Despite no disruption to the buses themselves, the striking staff will affect the day-to-day running of stations and admin. Extra planning may be needed if plan to be travelling on these dates.
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