Striking Transport for Greater Manchester workers. Photo: Unison North West / X
Workers for the city’s transport system are suffering real pay cuts and a cost-of-living crisis. Pete Webster outlines the action they are taking to achieve fair pay and recognition of their crucial roles
Since 2009, workers at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have seen pay drop in real terms, pay freezes and below-inflation pay ‘increases’. In response, both unions launched the Stop the Drop campaign to turn things around. Around 600 Unison and Unite members are now taking joint industrial action in this dispute, which encompasses pay, working hours and terms and conditions of service. Those taking action include interchange and office staff, route planners, IT technicians, administrators, control-room operators, passenger-assistance staff and cleaners.
Unison’s TfGM branch secretary, Tony Wilson, said, ‘Transport for Greater Manchester staff have faced major changes to the network and have taken on lots more responsibilities in their jobs. Their pay should reflect that. These transport staff deserve proper recognition for all they do and a decent wage offer that matches their skills, dedication and the critical work they do.’
TfGM management, overseen by Labour’s Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has offered a derisory below-inflation rise of 3.2%. This falls far short of the unions’ target of 5.9% plus improved working conditions. In 2023-24, TfGM made a surplus of £36m on an income of £592m. For the same period, they spent just under 10% on salaries and at significantly less cost than most other comparable employers. So the money is there.
Escalate to win
The bosses have been forced to make some concessions, yet to be implemented, including a minimum of £15 per hour and a four-day week condensed working pattern for frontline staff. All the union’s demands can be won with further concerted action. There will be further walkouts on 5, 7, 12 and 14 November that will keep the pressure on, but this dispute could be resolved more quickly by calling for an all-out stoppage.
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