Full Breakdown
Nottingham Trams to Halt Service During Goose Fair Over Pay Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Planned Strike Disrupts Tram Operations
Nettingham Express Transit (Nottingham Express Transit (NET)) has announced that tram services will not run on Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September, and again on 2 October and 3 October. A six-day strike is scheduled, with the first phase from 5 a.m. on 26 September until 5 a.m. on 28 September, and a second phase from 5 a.m. on 2 October until 5 a.m. on 4 October. Between the full-strike days, staff may refuse overtime from 28 September to 2 October, potentially causing delays across the network. Normal service is set to resume on 4 October.
Background & Context: Prolonged Pay Negotiations
Negotiations between NET and the GMB union have stretched over nine months. NET’s final offer, presented on 19 June, included a 3.3 percent pay rise for most workers and a 7 percent increase for the lowest-paid staff. The GMB rejected this, demanding a 4.1 percent uplift. Earlier in the year the union accepted a two-year pay deal promising an 8.5 percent increase. In a ballot, 88 percent of GMB members voted in favour of strike action.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarah Turner, managing director at NET, said: “We're always committed to doing all we can to keep the city moving, even during strike action.” — Sarah Turner, managing director at NET Turner added that NET remains open to further talks with the GMB in the coming days, hoping to reach a resolution that will keep the city moving. Nottingham City Council has pledged to “keep the city running” on 27 September, the day that coincides with the Robin Hood Half Marathon.
Criticism & Opposition
GMB regional organiser Colin Whyatt criticised NET’s approach, stating: “GMB members have been left with few options, as Nottingham's tram bosses point blank refused to listen to their own workforce” — Colin Whyatt He argued that the union’s members have been left with few options as tram bosses
Timeline of Key Dates
- 19 June – NET’s final pay offer presented.
- 16 September – Union confirms strike schedule.
- 26 September – 28 September – First strike phase (full service suspension).
- 27 September – City Council pledge to maintain essential services; Robin Hood Half Marathon.
- 28 September – 2 October – Overtime refusal period, possible delays.
- 2 October – 3 October – Second full-service suspension.
- 4 October – Normal tram operations resume.