Burnham responds to TfGM staff after strike vote

The Metrolink at Rochdale Railway Station

Andy Burnham has responded to Transport for Greater Manchester staff after they voted to strike yesterday (21 November), asking to ‘sit down and discuss’. TfGM employees rejected an offer of a £1,290 pay increase and have voted to walk out in December to demand a ‘rise that reflects the increased cost of living’.

The strike would impact ticketing, passenger assistance and information services across the network at one of the busiest times of the year in the lead up to Christmas.

Speaking in the hotseat on BBC Radio Manchester, the Greater Manchester Mayor said the strike was ‘not unexpected’.

“We’ll sit down and discuss it,” he said. “There’s not huge amount of money in public transport at the moment, but I’m always prepared to listen and see if we can find a way forward.”

Asked if he would consider a pay rise similar to the 15% pay rise over three years received by train workers earlier this year, Mr Burnham responded: “What people don’t realise is that with the rail situation there was a long-standing dispute. It’s not like we’re sitting on a load of money and withholding it from people. We’re trying to be fair to everybody.”

Worker’s union Unite spokespeople noted that the disruption from strikes could ‘still be avoided’ if TfGM come to the table. But the transport operator has suggested it won’t be able provide a better pay offer as it is tied to a ‘Passenger Forum’ agreement along with the West Midlands, which restricts their negotiating power.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Transport for Greater Manchester workers have seen their wages eroded year after year. The current pay offer does nothing to rectify that.

“They are absolutely right to strike and they have Unite’s full support in doing so.”

Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter