Following the news issued by trade union body GMB that tram workers across Nottingham will be taking strike action next month, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has revealed the impact the strike action will have if successful.
Sarah Turner, service delivery and safety director at NET said:
“After time spent engaging with GMB, it’s disappointing to see that our pay rise offer hasn’t been accepted, and that they are purposefully choosing to target a much-loved family event that brings so much enjoyment to the people of Nottingham and surrounding
areas.
“Beyond the convenience of travelling by tram to the Goose Fair, this strike action could have a real impact on attendee safety too, by putting remarkable pressure on bus services and existing transport routes, leading to overcrowding, backlogs and more.”
“Each year Goose Fair sees thousands of attendees flock to the Forest Recreation Ground for the ten-day event, which marks a key date in the calendar of many across the East Midlands.
“Together with Nottingham buses, the tram network is an invaluable mode of
transport, offering a safe and reliable way for many people to access the popular event, alleviating pressure on road traffic levels across the city, and reducing bottle necks.
The news follows months of discussions and negotiations with GMB, which began back in June, with an offer submitted by NET offering an above-inflation pay increase of 3.5% for 2024, and the certainty of a further above-inflation pay increase for 2025. However
GMB is calling for a pay increase of 10% for NET staff.
Sarah added:
“We understand the ongoing cost of living pressures, which is why we regularly review our salaries and have awarded 20% pay increases over the last four years, bringing our staff pay levels to well above that of the national average. NET staff have received
more than 20% in pay increases since 2020 and the further 10% increase that GMB is calling for is simply not feasible.
“Like many other operators across the UK we are still experiencing the effects of COVID on passenger numbers. However, during this period, we remained committed to supporting our staff and not only resolved to not furloughing anyone during COVID, but all employees
were also awarded pay increases during the pandemic too.
“Our current offer that was rejected was an increase that would have guaranteed another above inflation rise in 2025 too, to offer stability to our workers as well as to us as a business and, of course, the people of Nottingham who will be hugely affected by
these strikes with many unable to attend the event as a result.”
If strike action is successful, GMB has revealed it will take place from 12:01am on 27th September and last until 11.59pm on 5th October, however NET has said that discussions are still ongoing in the hopes of coming to a resolution.
Sarah said:
“We hope to keep the conversation open with GMB, with the view towards coming to a resolution, so we can get back to keeping Nottingham moving quickly, safely and reliably as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, we’re working on contingency plans for a reduced service that would continue during the proposed strike action time period, and we will share these details as soon as possible. However, if strike action does go ahead, then we simply will not
have the capacity to service Goose Fair, which would be extremely sad for the city.”
Each year thousands of people across the city rely on the trams for travel to work, their place of study, days out and more. The tram network offers a sustainable, convenient and affordable way to travel, providing an essential lifeline for many looking to
access the City and the surrounding areas.
