Planned strike action affecting Nottingham’s tram network this winter has been cancelled after Nottingham Express Transit (NET) reached a pay agreement with the GMB union.
The agreement follows months of negotiations and includes a revised pay offer of 3.7%, with a 7% increase for the lowest-paid workers, alongside improvements to working conditions across the workforce.
The offer has now been approved in a ballot, meaning the planned industrial action, which was due to begin on Thursday 22 October, will no longer go ahead.
NET said passengers can expect normal tram services to continue throughout the period previously affected by the proposed strikes.
The agreement comes after industrial action disrupted Nottingham’s tram network during the Goose Fair period, when services were suspended on several days.
Further strikes had been planned across October, November and December, including dates over the Christmas period.
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.
“We have always remained committed to a continued and cooperative partnership with GMB and we’re pleased to have been able to negotiate a viable solution for both parties. Following this week’s positive discussions, we have agreed a number of key activities and next steps that will improve our working relationship with them. Over the coming months, we look forward to continuing our work with them and building on the promising steps both parties have made this week.”
The agreement removes the threat of further strike-related disruption over the coming months, although services may still be affected by routine operational issues.
NET said it would continue working with GMB on measures intended to improve relations between the operator and its workforce.
