By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The operator of Nottingham’s tram network says planned strike action during Goose Fair is disappointing and could have a “real impact on attendee safety”.
The GMB union announced on Wednesday (September 11) 90 per cent of its tram workers voted in favour of industrial action following a row over pay.
Around 300 workers are expected to join the walkout, including drivers, ticket office staff and maintenance teams.
Keolis and its subsidiary Nottingham Trams Limited run the city’s network as part of the Tramlink consortium, under the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) name and branding.
In a statement Sarah Turner, service delivery and safety director at NET, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service strikes could take place from 12:01am on September 27 and last until 11.59pm on October 5.
This year’s annual Goose Fair is due to start on September 27 and run for 10 days until October 6.
A reduced service is being planned in the event the strikes go ahead.
Ms Turner 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.”
Negotiations with GMB began in June, and NET says it offered an above-inflation pay increase of 3.5 per cent for 2024, and the certainty of a further above-inflation pay increase for 2025.
It says GMB is calling for a pay increase of 10 per cent for staff.
NET says discussions are still ongoing in the hopes of coming to a resolution.
“NET staff have received more than 20 per cent in pay increases since 2020 and the further 10 per cent increase that GMB is calling for is simply not feasible,” Ms Turner said.
“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.
“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.”
Colin Whyatt, GMB Regional Organiser, added: “Our members want nothing less than to take action during one of Nottingham’s busiest weeks.
“Tram workers do vital work for our city, keeping families, workers and businesses moving every single day.
“They’re facing huge cost of living pressures and all they’re asking for is a pay packet that covers the bills.
“Tram owners Keolis make eye watering profits, it’s only right that workers are rewarded for their hard work.
“Tram bosses must urgently come back to the table and find a way forward on this.”
