Passengers will also be affected by tram driver strikes
12:17, 11 Dec 2025Updated 12:17, 11 Dec 2025
Staff at TfGM stations are among those who will be affected(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Four more strike dates have been announced as a pay dispute for some of the region’s transport workers rumbles on. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) staff working in roles such as ticketing, passenger assistance and information services will resume industrial action tomorrow (December 12).
Workers who are members of the Unite and Unison unions are then expected to strike for a further three days before Christmas – on December 13, 19 and 20. More than 200 members of Unite are expected to walk out, plus an undisclosed number of Unison members.
Union leaders say the strikes will affect passengers over the busiest shopping period of the year. Two of the strike dates, on December 19 and 20, will coincide with previously-announced strike action for Metrolink tram drivers employed by KeolisAmey.
TfGM workers began industrial action in October. Unite says the workers rejected a below inflation 3.2 per cent increase, and are demanding a raise that ‘reflects the rising cost of living and the increased workloads they have taken on since the creation of the Bee Network’.
It claims TfGM holds £2.1 billion in reserves. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “TfGM’s behaviour towards these workers is atrocious.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite the Union(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)
“Our members have put forward a reasonable pay request that TfGM can more than afford to meet. Strikes will continue with Unite’s full support until TfGM returns to talks and puts forward an acceptable offer.”
The December 19 strike will coincide with so-called ‘Mad Friday’, which is traditionally a busy night for the city’s hospitality trade, while December 20 is expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year. Sam Marshall, Unite regional industrial officer, added: “TfGM is totally responsible for the disruption that will be caused to passengers.
“It caused these strikes through its totally inadequate and frankly insulting pay offer. The offer does nothing to increase basic pay, does not match inflation, and fails to recognise the high level of responsibility and commitment shown by these workers every day. A resolution will only be possible if the employer tables an offer that is meaningfully better than the current offer.”
Meanwhile, strikes by around 320 tram drivers working for KeolisAmey Metrolink workers are due to take place on December 19, 20 and 31, when New Year’s Eve partygoers could be affected. The union claims working patterns and rest breaks are causing dangerous levels of fatigue. TfGM has been approached for comment.