Transport strikers in Manchester
Around 500 Unite and Unison union members at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) began a four-day strike on Thursday over pay and conditions.
Up to 60 strikers picketed TfGM’s main offices in central Manchester. And pickets were also out from early morning at the Altrincham, Stockport, Bolton and Shude Hill major interchanges.
Strikers were furious at Labour mayor Andy Burnham, who claimed the strikers were “unnecessary” and “unjustified”.
“Apparently we’re all on £50,000,” said striker Mike at the joint union march and lunchtime rally. “I’m sick of being lectured by senior managers on £200,000 a year.”
Unions want a pay offer that seriously addresses the decline of real pay over many years at TfGM.
Strikers were also determined to win improvements to parental leave policies – especially younger workers with young families.
Striker Anna’s banner declared that TfGM’s parental leave policies were “among the worst in the transport and public sectors”.
Membership of both unions is up substantially since the dispute began. “We’re the second highest-recruiting branch in north west Unison region,’ said branch secretary Tony Wilson. “Today is a huge confidence-boost for everyone.”
At mid-day, over 250 strikers marched on a city-centre meeting attended by Andy Burnham.
Workers plan further action from Friday 20 December until Monday 23 December.
Strikers are demanding an unallocated €1.6 billion go towards workers' pay rise
London march on 27 October
Another day of mass resistance
Plus: 500 on Leeds unity march
