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Around 150 Transport for Greater Manchester staff marched in Manchester city centre today (October 30) in an ongoing dispute with their employer over pay. Those on strike included interchange and office staff, route planners, IT technicians, administrators, control room operators, passenger assistance staff and cleaners. They are represented by Unite and Unison unions, who described the latest offer of a 3.2% pay rise from TfGM as 'inadequate' and below inflation. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Upwards of 150 members gathered with distinctive red and purple banners outside the TfGM headquarters close to Manchester Piccadilly Station just before 1pm. Bearing signs reading 'LOW PAY, NO WAY', 'raise TfGM pay now' and 'no nectar, no bees', the group marched along London Road, through Piccadilly Gardens bus station and along Mosley Street towards St Peter's Square. " Andy Burnham , don't be tight - 3.2 is just not right," said one man with a megaphone. As they marched, blowing whistles and accompanied by a lively band keeping time on the drums, they stopped traffic including buses and trams - but some drivers honked their horns in solidarity. Bee Network and Metrolink staff have different employers so bus and tram services remained unaffected, although some facilities including ticket offices and toilets may have been shut. The police were largely absent as the procession, chaperoned by Travel Safe officers, reached the Tootal Buildings on Oxford Road , where the Mayor and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are headquartered. Gathered outside, several speakers outlined their reasons for striking. James, who said he was an assistant at Middleton Bus Station, criticised the offer made by TfGM. "Rents are going up, the cost of living is getting worse...3.2% is what they think we're worth," he said into a microphone. "It's insulting to the people who keep Manchester moving. "Planners, schedulers, cleaners, station staff, all work hard. Without us, nothing moves. Early morning, late at night, whenever they ask, we do it. "We do it with pride but pride is not enough to pay the bills, or the cost of heating, commuting and feeding our families." He insisted the strike was 'not just about pay'. "Reflect our contribution...let us live, not just survive. "It's about respect, dignity and recognition. We can't give our best if we're not properly paid." Unison said further strike days are planned next Wednesday and Friday (November 5 and 7). They also announced four periods of 'action short of a strike' from Monday October 27 to Wednesday October 29, Friday October 31 to Tuesday 4 November, and on Thursday 6 November, culminating in a continuous 'work to rule' from Saturday 8 November. Unison's TfGM branch secretary, Tony Wilson, said in a statement: “Transport for Greater Manchester staff have faced major changes to the network and have taken on lots more responsibilities in their jobs. Their pay should reflect that. “These transport staff deserve proper recognition for all they do and a decent wage offer that matches their skills, dedication and the critical work they do.” Unite, who have more than 200 employees taking part in today's action, said their dispute also concerned 'issues around stand by, call out and four day working week policies.' Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This offer is a pay cut disguised as a rise and is an insult to TfGM’s hardworking staff. "Unite never accepts attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions. These workers have their union’s full support in taking strike action.” Steve Warrener, Managing Director at TfGM, said in a statement: “We’re continuing discussions with the unions and are doing all we can to limit any impact on passengers on strike days. "Bus and tram services will run as normal and all our interchanges will be open, but some facilities – such as ticket offices and toilets – may be closed. “We’re absolutely committed to TfGM being a rewarding place to work and build a career, with good pay, terms and conditions. "But we can’t meet the unions’ ask this year – including a 9 per cent pay rise for all staff and a four-day working week with no loss of pay." One TfGM union member disputed the 9% claim and said they believed a 5% offer 'absolutely' would be accepted. "A 9% increase would amount to an increase of around 30 per cent in our employment costs," the TfGM statement continued. "In the context of challenging public sector finances, it’s not affordable or sustainable. “We’ve made several proposals to the unions. Our current offer particularly supports those on our lowest pay bands, ensuring that no-one earns less than £15.10 per hour, the equivalent to an annual salary of over £29,000.”
