Unite members at Metrolink cancel strike action this weekend

Members of the Unite union have cancelled Metrolink strike action this weekend.

Over 600 Metrolink workers, who are members of Unite, will now be balloted on the revised offer. If it is rejected then new strike dates will be announced.

The revised pay offer was achieved following talks brokered by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “Last week I made an offer to intervene and facilitate a dialogue between Metrolink operator KeolisAmey and representatives of Unite, in an effort to advance talks and avert industrial action this weekend.

“We’ve worked hard with colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester to bring the two sides together, and I want to thank the teams at KeolisAmey and Unite for engaging positively and constructively in these talks.

“I’m very pleased that an agreement has now been reached to suspend strike action and put a new and improved offer on the table, keeping our tram network running on another really important weekend for the city-region.”

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden added: “Unite made it clear from the outset that Metrolink was fully able to make an improved offer and as a result of the intervention of the mayor that has now occurred.

“Our members will now be balloted on the offer and they will decide if its meets their expectations.”

Metrolink services will now run un-affected over the weekend, which will see Parklife take place at Heaton Park as well as Soccer Aid at Old Trafford plus many more events across the city-region.