Andy Burnham responds to Metrolink staff after strike vote

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Andy Burnham has responded to Transport for Greater Manchester staff after they voted to strike this morning (November 21), asking to ‘sit down and discuss’.

TfGM employees rejected an offer of a £1,290 pay increase earlier today and have voted to walk out in December to demand a ‘rise that reflects the increased cost of living’.

The strike would impact ticketing, passenger assistance and information services across the network at one of the busiest times of the year in the lead up to Christmas. READ NEXT: Forensics arrive on scene as investigation into tragic baby discovery continues Speaking in the hotseat on BBC Radio Manchester, the Greater Manchester Mayor said the strike was ‘not unexpected’. “We’ll sit down and discuss it,” he said. “There’s not huge amount of money in public transport at the moment, but I’m always prepared to listen and see if we can find a way forward.” Asked if he would consider a pay rise similar to the 15 pc pay rise over three years received by train workers earlier this year, Mr Burnham responded: “What people don’t realise is that with the rail situation there was a long-standing dispute.

It’s not like we’re sitting on a load of money and withholding it from people. We’re trying to be fair to everybody.” Worker’s union Unite spokespeople noted that the disruption from strikes could ‘still be avoided’ if TfGM come to the table.