Unite the Union have confirmed that they are to ballot their members who work for KeolisAmey Metrolink over what they describe as a “woeful” pay offer.
In the statement announcing the ballot – which opens on 24th June and closes on 8th July – Unite confirmed that they had been offered a pay increase of 4.5%, which doesn’t meet their expectations. They go on to say that they have had years of below inflation increases, including accepting a below inflation increase last year, and now want guarantees of above inflation increase for the next three years. In addition they want a reduction in pay progression scales within driver and customer service roles.
Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, commented: “It’s reprehensible how companies worth billions like Keolis and Amey can value their workers so poorly while lining the pockets of their shareholders. Transport for Greater Manchester and the mayor need to set them straight and tell them to pay our members a decent wage for their vital work in keeping Manchester on the move. “Unite’s commitment to protecting the jobs, pay and conditions of its members is absolute and our Metrolink workers will have the union’s total support throughout this dispute.”
Colin Hayden, Unite Regional Officer, added: “This is a dispute entirely the making of Metrolink and their parent companies. They can easily afford to pay our members a decent salary after years of real terms pay cuts. Our members have had enough and will now be balloting on industrial action. I would encourage Metrolink to urgently come back to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.”
Unite represent drivers, controllers, engineers, customer service representatives and business support.
Damian Chabas, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, said: “As the proud operator of Metrolink, we are committed to offering a fair pay deal to our employees and protecting jobs in the current challenging economic climate. While we need to ensure Metrolink financial sustainability for the years to come, we have offered a fair pay deal protecting our employees against inflation increase over the next three years. We remain committed to meaningful discussions with Unite.”
If the ballot backs strike action its expected that the first action could be as soon as the end of July.