What can we expect?
Major disruption is expected across Birmingham and the Black Country as members of the Unite union have planned industrial action starting in October through to January 2023.
Industrial Action
A West Midlands Metro spokesman commented: “Due to industrial action by members of Unite union, West Midlands Metro is planning to operate a reduced timetable on four dates in October.”
The strikes come after disputes over workers’ pay with tram driver and customer representatives pay currently at £21,939. This is thought to be one of the lowest rates in the UK for this role.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: “It is disgraceful that despite our members undertaking extremely demanding and responsible jobs and ensuring that Birmingham and the Black Country keeps moving, they are paid poverty wages.”
Photo Credit: Sultan Adam Jones /Unsplash
Aims of the industrial action
Currently tram drivers and customer representatives are looking for a minimum pay rate of £27,000 and a £5,000 increase for all other grades.
West Midlands Metro have offered: “A fair pay offer, including an increase of more than 15 per cent – or more than £3,300 a year – for tram crew with a full year’s service.”
The first strike will take place on Saturday 15 October. There are a further 52 days of strikes planned until Saturday 5 October 2023.
West Midlands Metro has advised: “customers to allow extra time for journeys and to check their website for exact times.
“We will of course keep customers updated on services that will be in operation on other days that the union has targeted for industrial action.”
Football chaos
Some of the date’s strikes are planned for days that West Bromwich Albion will be playing at home. James Kent, a season ticket holder for West Bromwich Albion said: “It’s a nightmare, I’m not looking forward to it.
“On the bus it will take me an hour to get to the stadium compared to 15 minutes once I get into town on the metro.
“Coming home will be an extra worry, there will be hundreds trying to catch the bus like we saw when storm Arwen hit last year.”
Strike dates
Strikes are expected to take place on the dates below:
October – 15, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31.
November – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30.
December – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31.
January – 1, 2, 5.
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