Manchester tram workers vote for strike action

Members of the GMB union who clean Greater Manchester’s Metrolink trams have voted unanimously for industrial action.

Workers will take industrial action and will strike on 29 September and 6, 13 and 20 October.

The union claims the members, who number in their dozens have “suffered worse terms and conditions and a merry-go-round of changing employers” and the service is currently contracted to Bidvest Noonan who are contracted to KAM for cleaning of trams, stops and facilities, and some maintenance work.

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.”

TFGM told TheBusinessDesk.com that they do not anticipate any industrial action will impact services.

Bidvest Noonan have been contacted for comment.