Manchester Metrolink strike suspended as fresh pay offer proposed

A strike scheduled for this Sunday (October 10) on Manchester’s Metrolink tram system has been suspended at the 11th hour following a fresh pay offer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing united and firm to demand a fair and well deserved pay rise, Unite members at Metrolink have forced the hand of management and ensured that a fresh pay offer has been tabled.

“Unite is utterly determined to secure proper and lasting improvements to the pay and conditions of our members.”

The latest pay offer was made following talks held yesterday (October 7) between representatives of Unite and the management at Keolis/Amey, which operates Metrolink.

By suspending strike action, which was scheduled to coincide with the Manchester marathon, Unite is creating a window for its members to vote on the new offer.

More than 300 members of Unite employed as drivers and supervisors were due to take part in the strike action, after having rejected a previous offer recommended by their union.

Unite regional officer, Dave Roberts, said: “Following lengthy negotiations with Unite, Keolis/Amey has tabled a fresh pay offer.

“Members will now be balloted on the revised pay offer but should that offer be rejected then the remaining strikes will go ahead as scheduled.”

The strikes already announced for Friday, October 15, Monday, October 18, and a further strike on Sunday, October 24, when Manchester United play Liverpool at Old Trafford, will go ahead if Unite members reject the latest offer.