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More than 200 workers at Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) have ended strikes after securing a pay deal.
A majority of union members from Unite and Unison voted in favour of a multi-year agreement which will see a pay rise of at least 3.2% backdated to April 2025 for all staff, and around 75% of employees will receive a one-off payment of either £500 or £1,000.
The deal covers job roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus network.
Workers on lower bands will see pay rise to at least £15.10 an hour, resulting in increases of between 6.4 and 11.1%.
A further 3% pay increase for all TFGM employees has been agreed for the 2026/27 financial year from 1 April.
The deal also includes an increase in standby payments; increased flexible working for frontline staff; and increases to allowances and salary sacrifice schemes for family travel and electric vehicles.
From April 2027 onwards, union members will vote on an annual pay award made in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services as part of a new Trade Union Recognition and Facilities Agreement. This will provide the framework for future engagement and bargaining between TFGM and the unions.
Through this new agreement, the pay increase for TFGM staff already agreed for the 2026/27 financial year would be adjusted upwards if the NJC pay deal is above 3%.
Unite members began striking in October and took 18 days of industrial action in total.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to Unite’s members at TFGM. They know that collective action works and by standing together and taking strike action they achieved this excellent pay deal.
“This is yet another example of Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions paying dividends for our members.”
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I am delighted that an agreement has been reached between TFGM and unions which guarantees an increase in pay for our hard-working staff who are critical to the ongoing success of the Bee Network.
“TFGM has been working constructively together with Unison and Unite to find a way forward that works for all parties, and I want to thank both unions for maintaining open dialogue throughout these negotiations.
“This deal ensures that TFGM remains a rewarding place to build a career, with fair pay, terms and conditions. Our focus will now be on maintaining a positive working culture as TFGM continue to deliver a world-class public transport system for Greater Manchester.”
