Upcoming strike could affect Metrolink services as workers vote for industrial action

The Metrolink arriving in Rochdale town centre

GMB Union members whose work includes the cleaning of Metrolink trams, stops and facilities have voted to strike later this month.

Workers are angry about the erosion of their terms and conditions since the contract, currently operated by Bidvest Noonan, was outsourced. 

Dozens of GMB members working for Great Manchester’s Metrolink service delivered a unanimous yes vote for industrial action, and will strike on 29 September and 6,13 and 20 October.

Transport for Greater Manchester has said that this industrial action is not expected to impact services.

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, they must stop the erosion of terms and conditions for these already low-paid workers.” 

A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Bidvest Noonan is contracted to KAM (Metrolink operator) for cleaning of trams, stops and facilities, and some maintenance work. This pay dispute is between Bidvest Noonan and their employees, and any matters relating to pay are not for KAM or TfGM to comment on.

"We can also confirm that we do not anticipate any industrial action to impact services."