Union warns Metrolink passengers could face major disruption during festive season if driver fatigue row is not resolved
Almost 320 tram drivers in Greater Manchester are being balloted for strike action, raising the threat of widespread disruption to Metrolink services during the busy Christmas period.
Members of Unite the union, who work for KeolisAmey Metrolink at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots, are voting on potential industrial action in a dispute over shift patterns that campaigners say are “putting the public at risk”.
The ballot, which closes on 11 November, could pave the way for strikes from late November, potentially bringing chaos to festive travel, including services to Manchester’s popular Christmas markets which attract millions each year.
Unite says current rotas require drivers to work 450 hours over a 12-week cycle, including back-to-back 50-hour weeks followed by just two rest days. The union claims Metrolink drivers have significantly fewer rest days compared to colleagues in other departments, leading to growing concerns about fatigue and passenger safety.
In a statement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our hardworking members at Metrolink do a vital job – but fatigue is putting themselves and the public at risk. Management can’t sweep this key safety issue under the carpet.”
Unite claims that despite raising the issue with KeolisAmey management, no funding has been allocated to improve shift patterns. Instead, the union says staff have been asked to start work even earlier – something it warns could worsen exhaustion.
Regional officer Colin Hayden added: “It is dangerous for fatigued workers to be driving trams. Metrolink is failing to take this seriously. If management continues to ignore the risks, they will be to blame for the disruption.”
KeolisAmey Metrolink, which operates the UK’s largest tram network, recorded 45 million journeys last year, with peak passenger months including October, November and December.
The strike threat comes during a period of major change for Greater Manchester’s transport system. The tram network is now part of the Bee Network, the region’s integrated transport plan aimed at improving accessibility and local control of services.
The looming ballot adds pressure to the city’s transport operators ahead of one of the busiest times of the year, with Unite confirming it will support any industrial action if members vote in favour.
No comment has yet been issued by Metrolink or Transport for Greater Manchester regarding the ballot.
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