Strike action by Metrolink tram drivers called off after new deal
Workers accept changes to rotas, pay and conditions to tackle fatigue
Planned strikes by Metrolink tram drivers have been cancelled following agreement on measures to address fatigue and improve working conditions.
The industrial action, originally scheduled for this weekend and New Year’s Eve, will no longer go ahead after workers accepted changes to rotas and pay. Drivers had raised safety concerns over exhausting schedules, which sometimes required working six consecutive days without adequate rest breaks.
Under the changes proposed by Metrolink, rota improvements will include a reduction in driving time without a break from five and a half hours to five, the removal of six-day working patterns, and the introduction of two additional rest days. Duty lengths will also see a reduction from nine and a half hours to nine.
These adjustments will be fully implemented by January 2027 and aim to align drivers’ schedules with industry standards across the UK.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham hailed the resolution as ‘an excellent win’ for the union’s members.
“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. This result shows the power of a union and workers at Metrolink should be very proud of their achievement,” she said.
In addition to addressing fatigue and rota concerns, Metrolink will be raising salaries for tram drivers in a move to improve staff recruitment and retention. Starting wages will increase from £26,420 to £33,026 from 1st January, rising further to £33,687. Drivers with two years of experience will see their pay jump from £31,863 to £34,500 at the same time.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden added: “We are very pleased that Metrolink finally listened to drivers' legitimate concerns around fatigue and came back with a plan that will go a long way to finally solving the issue and keep workers and passengers safe.
“This, plus improvements to pay, is the culmination of a lot of hard work from Unite and our reps who showed incredible solidarity throughout this dispute. This result proves again that Unite is a union winning for workers in the passenger transport sector,” he said.
Separately, strike action by over 200 workers on Transport for Greater Manchester bus services, including ticketing and passenger assistance staff, is still set to take place on 19th and 20th January.