KeolisAmey Metrolink tram drivers based in Manchester have accepted a new deal regarding problems with fatigue and scheduling issues, calling off all strike dates asa result.
The workers, who are members of trade union Unite, accepted rota changes from their employer. These include a reduction in driving time without a break from five and a half to five hours, the removal of six day working and an additional two rest days. All drivers will also have their duty length reduced from nine and a half to nine hours.
The rota improvements will bring the staff more in line with workers elsewhere in the country. Metrolink has committed to implementing the changes by January 2027.
Strike action was originally planned because drivers were working as many as six days in a row without proper rest breaks. They had safety concerns around fatigue and were worried about operating heavy vehicles while exhausted.
Additionally, Metrolink will raise drivers’ starting pay from £26,420 to £33,026 from 1 January and increasing to £33,687 to attract new staff. Salaries have also increased for drivers with longer service to address retention issues. As a result, drivers with two years’ service will receive £34,500 from 1 January, an increase on their current salary of £31,863.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is an excellent win for our members at Metrolink, who stood together in their concerns over fatigue until their employer listened and came up with meaningful changes. Their action has also led to vastly improved pay for many workers and they should be proud of their achievement.”
Colin Hayden, regional officer at Unite, added: “We are pleased that Metrolink finally listened to drivers’ legitimate concerns around fatigue and came back with a plan that will go a long way to solving the issue and keep workers and passengers safe. This, plus improvements to pay, is the culmination of hard work throughout this dispute.”
KeolisAmey Metrolink was contacted for comment prior to publication.
