Potential Manchester Christmas market chaos as tram drivers balloted on strikes
Around 320 Metrolink workers on all routes in the city could take action from later this month over fatigue
Last updated 28th Oct 2025
There could be major disruption to festive travel in Greater Manchester next month, as almost 320 tram drivers are being balloted over working conditions and fears around fatigue.
The drivers, members of Unite, work for KeolisAmey Metrolink Limited at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots in Manchester. They operate trams on all routes in Greater Manchester.
In a statement, the Union said: "Currently, the drivers’ shift patterns mean they have to work 450 hours over a 12-week period. This results in some drivers working 50 hours on, followed by just two days off, then back into another 50-hour work pattern.
"Drivers also have fewer rest days compared to all other operational departments. This is causing safety concerns around fatigue, with drivers concerned about operating heavy vehicles while exhausted and unable to have proper breaks.
"After raising the issue with management, Unite has been told there is no funding available to support any meaningful improvements to working patterns.
"Instead, adding insult to injury management has asked drivers to start work earlier, adding to increased dangers of fatigue."
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 and they must come back to the table with workable solutions. Metrolink workers will have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.”
The ballot closes on 11 November.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "Any strike action will cause a great deal of disruption but it is entirely the fault of Metrolink, which is not taking the issue of driver fatigue seriously.
“It is dangerous for fatigued workers to be driving trams and they should not be put in this situation. We are demanding that Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester work with Unite to find a solution to this problem to avoid industrial action.”
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “We're aware that Unite is balloting drivers employed by the tram operator, KeolisAmey Metrolink, over industrial action. This is linked to discussions regarding rosters, not pay.
“We are meeting with both KAM and Unite this week to understand the issue and any concerns in more detail and are keen to work with both parties to resolve the issue without causing disruption for passengers.”
Damien Chabas, Managing Director of Keolis Amey Metrolink; “We’ve received notice of a ballot for industrial action following ongoing discussions with Unite on the review of current driver rosters. Driver welfare and managing fatigue are key priorities for us. While our rosters already align with safety standards, we’re committed to making ongoing sustainable improvements that benefit our drivers. Our focus has been on meaningful consultation and finding balanced solutions that are viable for the long term sustainability of Metrolink and that support the delivery of a safe and reliable service for passengers.”