Further disruption for Hucknall tram passengers as GMB announce second strike on Tuesday

Hucknall tram passengers face the possibility of further disruption across the network after members of the workers' union GMB announced another 24 hour strike, which will take place next Tuesday (23 November), following a dispute over pay.

This news comes just a couple of weeks after the first strike which took place on Saturday 6 November and forced NET, who operate the trams, to cancel all services.

A GMB spokesperson said: "It's deeply disappointing that it's come to this, as this strike was completely avoidable. If company top brass had reached out with a fair pay offer for these key workers from the beginning, no strike action would have been necessary and this disruption could have been avoided.

"Mid-week disruption on the network is completely avoidable and it's time for NTL to act.

"Nottingham's tram workers are the life blood of the city, keeping businesses, families and working people moving. It's time they got the reward and recognition they deserve from company top brass. Public support from Nottingham residents has been overwhelming and we would like to put on record out thanks to them on behalf of our members."

A statement from NET said: "We would like to sincerely apologise in advance to customers for any further interruption to services resulting from industrial action by members of the GMB union.

"Despite talks continuing this week, and a further improved offer which represents an 11 per cent pay increase for its members, we are disappointed that the union still intends to go ahead with planned strike action on Tuesday, November 23.

"This latest offer would bring a tram driver's salary to £28,685 by June next year as part of a proposed deal that includes a 3% increase for 2020, backdated and paid immediately and a 4% increase for 2021 backdated to June 1. A further 4% pay rise in June 2022 is also on the table and we have also offered to enhance a number of employee benefits.

"Throughout the dispute, every effort has been made to reach a fair settlement that recognises the hard work of our colleagues whilst being realistic and sustainable in the current economic climate.

"While we will make every effort to ensure customers have access to alternative means of public transport, the GMB's actions next week will cause significant inconvenience for the thousands of people who rely on the tram network every day and risk jeopardising the network's recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We still hope that the union and its members will reconsider their position, comply with the General Collective Bargaining Agreement that we have in place and avoid further disruption for the tram network, its customers and the people of Nottingham."