Zaphira Kambouris reports on a vibrant and important strike by Manchester transport workers  

Staff at Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM), who are members of the public sector union UNISON and Unite, are taking industrial action over pay, terms and conditions. They have experienced more than 10 years austerity with over 30% real term pay cuts. Maternity and paternity pay is well below that of many other public sector and transport organisations. Pay on the lower end of the pay scale is only £13 per hour.  

March arrives at Tootal buildings #Manchester @NorthWestUNISON @unisontheunion pic.twitter.com/mt1ieNb0o8

— Tony Wilson UNISON NEC member NW Region (@Tony2Wilson) December 12, 2024

It is estimated that around £40,000 spending by TfGM could bring all lower end employees up to a living wage. Instead however of paying workers a living and decent wage, public money was used to give a recently retired CEO £200,000 in compensation!  

On the first day of the strike (Thursday) the lively and energetic picket line was over 100 workers strong, With many there in support the strikers marched to the office of Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and held a noisy rally outside. 

Striker Tony Wilson said:  

‘I’ve gone on strike before over pension funds but for many of my colleagues this is the first time, and numbers present speak for themselves. We are committed to fighting for better pay and conditions.’  

The four-day strike of Unison and Unite members continues till Sunday 15th December. Get to a picket line (info here) and more information on how you can support the strikers is here  

Enough is enough! Workers are standing up for their rights, their dignity and better funding for public services. Strength in Unity!