Metrolink workers set to strike today across Greater Manchester

Cleaners who service Greater Manchester's Metrolink trams are striking today over ongoing contract rows.

The GMB union voted to take industrial action following a change in their working terms and conditions which has left workers "angry".

According to GMB, staff had suffered worse terms and conditions since the contract, currently operated by Bidvest Noonan, was outsourced.

Workers are to begin their strike action today, which will continue on the 6, 13 and 20 October.

Shaun Buckley, GMB Organiser, said: "We've lost benefits such as sickness benefit scheme, double time payments for bank holidays, reduction in overtime payments and night shift allowances.

"All these have been lost by the lowest paid people.

“Just put yourself in their position, knowing that the person driving the tram, who is going to the same depot as you, has far better terms and conditions than you.

“I am not saying that the pay rates of the cleaners should be the same as the rate for a tram driver.

“But the terms and conditions, the night shift allowances, the overtime benefits, the sickness benefits should be the same.

"It makes them feel angry - that is probably the best way of describing it.

"So much so that they've decided to take industrial action.

“If Transport for Greater Manchester, the Manchester Mayor’s Office and Bidvest Noonan want to stop travel chaos for the city, the must stop the erosion of terms and conditions for these already low paid workers.”

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesman said: "This pay dispute is between Bidvest Noonan and their employees.

"We can also confirm that we do not anticipate any industrial action to impact services."

We have approached Bidvest Noonan for a comment.