West Midland Metro workers go on strike
Today is the first of 53 days of industrial action.
Last updated 15th Oct 2022
Strike action affecting the West Midland Metro begins today (October 15), in a dispute over rates of pay.
Union members are taking 53 days of industrial action, following after negotiations between Unit and Metro bosses failed to reach an agreement.
The dispute involves over 174 members of Unite, who are seeking a major improvement on their pay.
The strike action is expected to continue until Saturday 5 January 2023, affecting services between Birmingham and Wolvberhamtpon.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are no longer prepared to accept substandard wages for the challenging work they undertake to keep Birmingham and the Black Country moving.
“These workers simply can’t make ends meet on the pittance that they are being paid by West Midlands Metro. Unite is determined to win them a better deal and our members have their union's full support in this dispute.
"The workers are seeking a minimum pay rate of £27,000 for tram drivers/customer representatives and a £5,000 increase for all other grades that can start at just £21,537.
"The tram drivers/customer representatives are currently paid just £21,939, which is among the lowest pay rates in the UK for this kind of role."
Unite regional officer Sulinder Singh said: “Unite has serious safety concerns about the skeleton service that West Midlands Metro is intending to operate as conductors play a key role ensuring the welfare of passengers.
“Rather than attempting to operate a second rate service, West Midlands Metro should be tabling a pay increase which meets our members’ expectations.”
A statement from West Midland Metro said: “West Midlands Metro remains committed to reaching an amicable agreement to avoid further unnecessary disruption to our customers and although it is disappointing that our request to continue discussions through the conciliation service was refused by the union, we are continuing talks with colleagues.
“A fair pay offer, including an increase of more than 15 per cent – or more than £3,300 a year – for tram crew with a full year’s service, remains on the table. These proposals also include an increase for tram crew in their first year, bringing these salaries into line with those on similar-sized tram systems in the UK, and a significant pay rise for other colleagues across the network.”