Greater Manchester tram drivers will be going on strike over the festive period, after workers rejected proposals to tackle driver fatigue.
Following an announcement last week, postponing the strikes, around 320 Metrolink tram drivers have now voted to walk out on 19, 20 and 31 December, Unite union has said.
Drivers working for KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd were striking due to concerns of “fatigue, a lack of proper rest breaks and rota patterns” which “put themselves and passengers in danger”, Unite said.
Planned strikes on 19 and 20 December will coincide with industrial action by 200 Unite members working for Transport for Greater Manchester on the Bee bus network.
The plans were set to affect the city’s busiest shopping date (20 December) and New Year’s Eve events – including the St Peter’s Square fireworks, which attract about 20,000 spectators a year.
Other events affected by this action include Manchester City v West Ham at the Etihad Stadium and Doves and Jools Holland concerts.
Unite has said that drivers at Metrolink Manchester have the “worst driving conditions across the UK compared to other light rail networks” – with shift patterns meaning they work 450 hours over a 12-week period.
The union has said drivers are experiencing “physical and mental health issues including exhaustion, cold and flu-like symptoms”.
Workers have voted on necessary rota changes and rest days to combat this – which would require the recruitment of around 60 new drivers.
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “Fatigue is a very serious issue for our drivers and one they feel very strongly about when it comes to protecting their own as well as their passengers’ safety.
‘Surprising’
Danny Vaughan Transport for Greater Manchester Chief Network Officer said: “Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve worked hard with the tram operator and Unite to understand and respond to the roster concerns among drivers.
“We jointly put together a plan – which the union recommended its members approve – that addressed all of Unite’s asks, with firm commitments to improve working patterns and to hire more drivers.
“The outcome of the ballot is therefore surprising and disappointing.
“Our focus now will be on working with KAM and Unite to try to avert strikes and we’re committed to working constructively on the next steps.
“But we need to get back around the table with real clarity from the union on what their members want.”