Bosses at West Midlands Metro have revealed their 'disappointment' after staff announced a 53-day walkout over a pay dispute. The strikes, announced by union Unite earlier today, will see staff take part in industrial action from October, over Chrismas and into January.

West Midlands Metro said a 'fair pay offer' was given to staff but was rejected by union members. It would have seen an increase of more than 15 per cent, or more than £3,300, for some tram crews, the company said.

But the deal was branded 'inadequate' by Unite, with members planning to walk out from October 15. A West Midlands Metro spokesman said: "Naturally, we are disappointed at the ballot result and the union’s decision to escalate the dispute, despite our extensive efforts to reach an amicable agreement.

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"Unfortunately, Unite has also declined to continue negotiations through the conciliation service ACAS and has now informed us of dates on which they intend to undertake industrial action. However, 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, remains on the table.

"These proposals also include an increase for tram crew in their first year who are still receiving training, bringing these salaries into line with those on similar-sized tram systems in other UK cities. Other colleagues across the network will also receive a significant pay rise."

'Severe disruption' is expected throughout Birmingham and the Black Country when the strikes take place. Workers are seeking a minimum pay rate of £27,000 for tram drivers and customer representatives, as well as a £5,000 rise for all other grades which currently start at £21,537.

Unite claimed tram drivers and customer representatives were currently paid £21,939 annually - one of the lowest rates in the UK for this kind of role. West Midlands Metro said it was giving employees its 'best offer', adding: "This fair and comprehensive package was put forward following a difficult couple of years for the network, during which we have supported our colleagues through the pandemic and more recent service suspensions that were beyond our control.

"These challenges have inevitably had an impact on revenues, and we continue to operate with financial support from West Midlands Combined Authority. As a result, the proposals, which were initially accepted by Unite, represent our best offer in the current circumstances.

"Clearly, any industrial action risks impacting on the network’s post-pandemic recovery as well as causing unnecessary disruption for customers who we will update on affected services in due course."

The union represents over 176 workers on the West Midlands Metro who recorded a yes vote in favour of striking of 86 per cent on an 84 per cent turnout. A Unite spokesperson said: "Despite extensive negotiations, the employer has refused to make an offer which meets the workers' expectations.

"It has made an inadequate offer of £25,250 to drivers/customer representatives and just 5.25 per cent to all other grades."

Strike action will take place on:

  • 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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