10% pay rise for tram drivers

The tram drivers' deal includes a 3.7% pay increase backdated to January, a 10% rise from January 2019 and further increases in line with inflation from January 2020

Metrolink drivers have called off a threatened strike as a new three year-deal has secured them a 10% pay increase.

Members of the Unite union were frustrated at salaries, which were up to £7,000 below that of tram drivers in other cities.

The threat of industrial action – in the form of a strike over the August bank holiday – won some 340 drivers what Unite regional officer Steve Davies called “one of the best such deals negotiated in the UK this year”.

The deal includes a 3.7% pay increase backdated to January, a 10% rise from January 2019 and further increases in line with inflation from January 2020.

Grade three drivers, who have over 18 months experience, will see their salaries increase to £30,000 from this January and to £33,000 by next. 

Operator KeolisAmey Metrolink have welcomed the deal, as will those using the service over the bank holiday who can now enjoy business as usual.

Meanwhile, there will be an increased police and staff presence on the Oldham and Rochdale Metrolink line over the next week as part of Operation Infinity.

Read the full story here.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.