Transport workers across Greater Manchester have started the first of four strike days in a pay dispute.
More than 200 Unite members, whose roles include ticketing, passenger assistance and information services for the bus network, began industrial action in October and are striking alongside their colleagues in the Unison union.
Unions have rejected a below inflation 3.2% pay rise and are demanding a rise reflecting the rising cost of living and increased workloads since the creation of the Bee Network.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Managing Director Steve Warrener said: “We continue to meet with union colleagues and hope we can resolve pay negotiations soon.
Mr Warrener said: “The majority of TfGM’s staff are still working and bus and trams services will run as normal this weekend.”
Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester said: “The last thing we need at this time of year are strikes.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: TfGM’s behaviour towards workers is “atrocious” adding it had put forward a reasonable pay request that TfGM can more than afford to meet.
Fresh strikes will take place on 13, 19 and 20 December, with disruption across the Bee bus and tram network.
The last Friday before Christmas, 19 December, is historically a very busy night for hospitality in the city, while 20 December is the busiest shopping day of the year.
Unite regional industrial officer Sam Marshall said: “TfGM is totally responsible for the disruption that will be caused to passengers. It caused these strikes through its totally inadequate and frankly insulting pay offer.
Mr Warrener said “We’re absolutely committed to TfGM being a rewarding place to work and build a career, with good pay, terms and conditions. We’ve made several proposals to the unions, accommodating their asks where we can.”
Strikes by around 320 tram drivers working for KeolisAmey Metrolink workers will also take place on 19, 20 and 31 December