Metrolink: Tram strikes resume after pay talks break down

A union has reversed its decision to call off tram driver strikes in Manchester after pay talks broke down.

The Unite union suspended industrial action on the Metrolink, planned for Saturday and Sunday, 10 days ago.

But it said a fresh strike was now planned for 10 October, the day of the Manchester Marathon, and described the pay offer as poor.

Keolis/Amey said it was disappointed with Unite and had put "robust contingency plans in place".

Last week, the union said it would be recommending its members accept what it described as a "greatly improved pay offer".

However, it changed its mind after further talks with bosses and said negotiations "broke up when the contractor Keolis/Amey refused to improve" its offer.

Regional officer Dave Roberts said: "The tram contractor, Keolis/Amey, can avoid disruption to the Manchester Marathon and our city's other big sporting events by tabling a respectful and decent pay offer."

Unite has also announced strikes for Friday 15 October and Monday 18 October, and a further strike on Sunday 24 October, when Manchester United will play Liverpool at Old Trafford.

About 300 tram drivers and supervisors had originally been offered a 1% pay rise over 15 months.

Guillaume Chanussot, managing director at Keolis/Amey Metrolink, said: "I'm disappointed that Unite have returned to talks only to demand yet another increase to the already greatly improved, inflation-protected offer we made on Monday 20 September.

"This offer was being recommended for acceptance by Unite to their members only a few days ago.

"I still hope that we can reach a resolution which avoids damaging strike action."

"Our focus now shifts to doing all we can to put robust contingency plans in place to ensure as many customers as possible can continue to make their journeys in the event of strike action."

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