Unite members working for Manchester’s Metrolink tram system are celebrating a new pay deal after accepting an improved offer from their employer. Proposed strikes that were due to take place later this week have now been called off.

Hundreds of workers are set to receive a substantial pay rise, with Customer service representatives at the bottom of the pay scales getting a minimum pay increase of 14 per cent over the next three years and those at the top of their pay scales receiving a minimum of nine per cent. The progression along the pay scale has also been shortened from three years to just 12 months.

Drivers will see a minimum of a nine per cent increase over the same period alongside a substantial reduction of the pay progression scale. Unite has negotiated to remove one year from the progression, down to three years, meaning new starters will achieve the top rate within the new pay deal adding £1000s to their pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a hard-fought and well deserved pay award for Metrolink’s workers. The initial pay deal was well short of their expectations and by standing together as a union, and with the threat of strike action in the mind of the employer, they have negotiated a vastly improved deal.