Mayor expresses concern regarding timing of bus network industrial action

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has raised questions regarding the timing of industrial action by bus network employees, stating that these strikes precede a “big moment” for the public transport system in the region. Over 500 Bee Network personnel in non-driving positions are scheduled to initiate strike action due to a pay dispute, with walkouts planned from 12-15 December and 20-23 December, and further strikes announced for 2-15 January. Mr. Burnham expressed that he was “obviously concerned” by this development, which occurs one month prior to the region’s entire bus fleet being brought under public control. A spokesperson for Unison verified that discussions were slated for Monday in an effort to settle the disagreement. The industrial action encompasses over 300 Unison members and approximately 200 Unite employees, all working for Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). Members from both unions, who conduct negotiations through a collective bargaining agreement, have declined a recent pay proposal averaging 3.1 percent. Steve Warrener of TFGM, the entity responsible for coordinating the region’s bus services, had previously indicated that bus and tram operations would proceed as usual during the strikes, notwithstanding warnings from unions about potential travel disruption. Mr. Burnham delivered remarks at a bus depot in Wythenshawe on Thursday during an event commemorating the one-month countdown until bus services in south Manchester transition to public control. This transition signifies the culmination of the Bee Network initiative, leading to all services across the region being managed by the city’s combined authority. Transport authorities have cautioned about potential “teething problems” during this changeover, with the prospective strikes potentially exacerbating the complexity of the transition. The mayor stated: “We just ask colleagues now, this is a big moment for Greater Manchester, we’ve all been working at this for years. Is this really the right time to do this?” Kevin Dolan, Unison’s regional organiser, commented that it was not too late for transport executives “to do the right thing and negotiate a better deal that better values its workers’ efforts”. Both unions are scheduled to conduct strikes across the two December weekends, however, Unison has additionally announced a strike period from 2 to 15 January. Unison has further confirmed that its members will commence industrial action short of a strike starting 12 December, which will encompass an overtime ban and a work-to-rule directive.