Strikes Averted as TfGM Staff Back Multi-Year Pay Deal

Planned industrial action across Greater Manchester’s Bee Network has been avoided after staff at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) voted to accept a new multi-year pay agreement.

The deal brings an end to a long-running dispute that saw strike action last year, with employees represented by Unite the Union and UNISON. In ballots held earlier this week, 87% of UNISON members and 85% of Unite members voted in favour of the revised offer.

Under the agreement, staff will receive a 3.2% pay increase for the 2025/26 financial year, backdated accordingly. Around three-quarters of employees will also benefit from a one-off payment of either £500 or £1,000.

A further 3% uplift has been agreed from 1 April 2026 for the 2026/27 financial year. However, from April 2027 onwards, annual pay awards will be linked to the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services settlement. If the NJC award exceeds 3%, TfGM staff will see their increase adjusted upwards to match it.

The package also includes a commitment to pay all TfGM employees at least £15 per hour, improvements to standby payments, expanded flexible working arrangements for frontline staff, and enhancements to allowances and salary sacrifice schemes for family travel and electric vehicles.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive outcome for both staff and the region’s transport ambitions.

He said the deal guarantees pay rises for workers who are central to the success of the Bee Network and thanked the unions for maintaining constructive dialogue throughout negotiations. He added that the focus would now return to fostering a positive working culture while continuing to deliver a high-quality public transport system.

The agreement will operate under a new Trade Union Recognition and Facilities Agreement, setting out a framework for future negotiations and engagement between TfGM and the unions.