Tram strikes planned until new year cancelled

Tram strikes in Nottingham have been cancelled after a pay deal was agreed, operator Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has confirmed.

The GMB Union had planned 25 days of strike action from Thursday to 31 December as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Tram staff, including drivers, ticketing staff, control staff, engineers, cleaners and office workers, had been in a dispute with NET over pay since January.

NET said a revised pay offer of a 3.7% pay increase, and a 7% increase for the lowest paid roles, had been been approved.

The GMB Union previously said its members had been in talks with the tram operator for almost a year and that walkouts during the busy festive period were "the last thing they want".

Strike action had already affected services during the historic Goose Fair.

Sarah Turner, managing director of NET, said: "After months of ongoing pay talks with GMB, we're pleased to have been able to work with them to reach a resolution and a positive way forward.

"This has seen us provide a revised pay offer of a 3.7% pay increase, and a 7% increase for the lowest paid roles, as well as improved conditions for our entire workforce. This has now successfully received ballot approval.

"As a result, GMB has agreed to cancel this winter's proposed strike action which was scheduled to begin on Thursday 22nd October, and all tram users can expect our regular service going forward.

"We understand the frustration and distress caused by the notice of proposed strike action as well as the recent Goose Fair strikes, and we thank all our customers for their patience."

Colin Whyatt, GMB organiser, said: "This new package delivers significant improvement to our members' terms and conditions of employment across the network.

"Strike action is always a last resort, but our members know they deserve respect at work and a pay packet that covers the bills.

"We are now focused on working with management to continue the success of our tram network, and make sure the workers who operate it day in and day out have a voice."

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