Tram strikes set to continue until New Year

A further 25 days of strike action on Nottingham's tram network have been announced as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Industrial action is due to take place every week, beginning on 22 October up until 31 December, including every weekend in the lead-up to Christmas.

The GMB Union said its members had been in talks with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) for almost a year and walk-outs during the busiest festive weeks was "the last thing they want".

NET has been approached for comment.

Tram staff including - drivers, ticketing staff, control staff, engineers, cleaners and office workers - have been in a dispute with NET over pay since January.

It follows nine months of pay discussions and negotiations, including a final offer of a 3.3% pay increase, a 7% increase for the lowest paid roles, and "further improvements for night workers", which was rejected by the unions.

Walk-outs already affected services during the historic Goose Fair.

Workers are now due to strike on 22 October, with action escalating in the run-up to Christmas and every weekend from Friday 20 November affected.

Normal service will resume in the New Year.

The union said strike action will take place on the following days:

• 22, 23, 30 and 31 October
• 2, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29 November
• 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27 and 31 December

Colin Whyatt, regional organiser for GMB, said members have been "trying to resolve this dispute for almost a year".

"These workers have children and families of their own," he said.

"Strike action is the last thing they want, especially this close to Christmas.

"But this is about their dignity at work, and a fair day's pay for a fair days work.

The GMB accepted a two-year pay deal in 2024, which promised workers an 8.5% pay uplift.

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