Manchester tram drivers to vote on strike action that could cause Christmas Market chaos

Manchester tram drivers are set to be balloted for potential strike action amidst disputes over working conditions.

Almost 320 Unite members are eligible to vote in the ballot, with the result having the potential to cause major disruption over the Christmas period.

The ballot ends on 11th November 2025, and strikes could begin in late November.

Drivers who are eligible for balloting work for KeolisAmey Metrolink Limited at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots in Manchester.

They operate all tram routes in Greater Manchester.

Working condition complaints arose after drivers’ shift patterns led to them working 450 hours over a 12-week period.

Some drivers have been working 50 hours on, with two days off afterwards before they return to another 50-hour working pattern.

Unite have also said that drivers “have fewer rest days compared to all other operational departments.”

The union added that because of this, safety concerns have risen around “fatigue, with drivers concerned about operating heavy vehicles while exhausted and unable to have proper breaks.”

Unite rose this issue with management, however the union was reportedly told that there is “no funding available” to make changes to these working patterns. Drivers were then asked to start work earlier, according to Unite.

The strikes could cause widespread disruption over the busy festive period in Manchester, particularly in the Christmas markets,

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 conditions. Metrolink workers will have Unite’s full support throughout this dispute.”

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Unite’s regional officer Colin Hayden also said any strike action “will cause a great deal of disruption but it is entirely the fault of Metrolink.”

He added that Metrolink is “not taking the issue of driver fatigue seriously.”

KeolisAmey’s managing director has said that the organisation’s rosters “align with safety standards” and that “driver welfare and managing fatigue” are “key priorities” for the company.

In response to the ballot news, Transport for Greater Manchester’s chief network officer Danny Vaughn said: “We’re aware that Unite is balloting drivers employed by the tram operator, KeolisAmey Metrolink, over industrial action.

“We are meeting with both KAM and Unite this week to understand the issue and any concerns in more detail.

“We are keen to work with both parties to resolve the issue without causing disruption for passengers.”

In his full statement, KeolisAmey Metrolink’s managing director Damien Chabas said: “We’ve received a notice of a ballot for industrial action following ongoing discussions with Unite on the review of current driver rosters.

“Driver welfare and managing fatigue are key priorities for us. While our rosters already align with safety standards, we’re committed to making ongoing sustainable improvements that benefit our drivers.

“Our focus has been on meaningful consultation and finding balanced solutions that are viable for the long term sustainability of Metrolink and that support the delivery of a safe and reliable service for passengers.”

Featured image via Unsplash