TfGM workers vote to end strikes after securing pay rise

Strike action by more than 200 Transport for Greater Manchester workers has ended after staff voted to accept a new pay offer following weeks of industrial action.

The dispute involved staff responsible for ticketing, passenger assistance and information services across the Bee Network bus system.

Members of Unite backed the deal after what the union described as intensive negotiations. The agreement includes a pay rise of at least 3.2 per cent for all staff, backdated to April 2025, alongside a non consolidated payment of £1,000.

Workers on lower pay bands will see their hourly rate increase to at least £15.10. Unite said this represents wage increases of between 6.4 and 11.1 per cent for the lowest paid employees.

A further pay increase of at least three per cent will take effect from April 2026.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to Unite’s members at TfGM. They know that collective action works and by standing together and taking strike action they achieved this excellent pay deal.

“This is yet another example of Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions paying dividends for our members.”

The settlement also includes improvements to standby payments, changes to shift patterns and new agreements covering recognition and facility time for union representatives.

Industrial action began in October, with workers taking a total of 18 strike days before the agreement was reached.

Unite regional officer Samantha Marshall said: “This deal could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our reps and members. As this result shows, those wanting better wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to join as well.”