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Hundreds of Metrolink driver s are being balloted over possible strike action due to concerns over their shift patterns and 'fatigue', a trade union has said. And Unite are warning of likely 'tram chaos' over the festive period if they do decide to take action. The union says that around 320 employees, who work for Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots in Manchester and who operate trams on all routes, are being asked for their views on industrial action. Currently, drivers' shift patterns mean they have to work 450 hours over a 12-week period, according to the union. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "This results in some drivers working 50 hours on, followed by just two days off, then back into another 50-hour work pattern," Unite said in a statement issued today (Tuesday, October 28). They claim drivers also have 'fewer rest days compared to other operational departments.' "This is causing safety concerns around fatigue, with drivers concerned about operating heavy vehicles while exhausted and unable to have proper breaks," the statement continued. Unite said that after raising the issue, they have been told that 'there is no funding available to support any meaningful improvements to working patterns' and that drivers had also asked to start work earlier. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our hardworking members at Metrolink do a vital job – but fatigue is putting themselves and the public at risk. “Management can’t sweep this key safety issue under the carpet and they must come back to the table with workable solutions. Metrolink workers will have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.” The ballot closes on November 11. If the workers do vote for strike action, that could begin in late November and would result in 'widespread tram cancellations and delays in Greater Manchester during the busy festive shopping period' including 'disruption to services that go to and from Manchester's world-famous Christmas markets', the union says. Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: "Any strike action will cause a great deal of disruption but it is entirely the fault of Metrolink , which is not taking the issue of driver fatigue seriously. “It is dangerous for fatigued workers to be driving trams and they should not be put in this situation. We are demanding that Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester work with Unite to find a solution to this problem to avoid industrial action.” Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) , which runs the Bee Network, and KeolisAmey Metrolink Ltd have been approached for comment.
