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Greater Manchester Transport Workers Extend Strike by Four Days

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 7:47 GMT by Manchester Evening News

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Transport Workers in Greater Manchester Set to Strike for Four More Days

In a dramatic escalation of industrial action that has rattled commuters across the North West, a coalition of transport unions in Greater Manchester announced that their strike will be extended by an additional four days. The decision comes after a series of failed negotiations with government ministers and the Department for Transport, and marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing dispute over transport workers’ pay and working conditions.

What Happened

The announcement was made by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), the Association of Bus, Coach and Tram Staff (BCTU), and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ Union (RMT). Together, the three unions represent more than 40,000 transport workers in the Greater Manchester area, including bus drivers, train conductors, rail freight staff and airport ground handlers.

On the day the strike was called, thousands of workers staged a coordinated walkout at key transport hubs: Manchester’s main railway stations (Piccadilly, Deansgate‑City, and Oxford Road), several bus depots across the city, and the Manchester Airport’s security and customs checkpoints. The initial strike, which began on Monday, was meant to last for a week but was shortened after a last‑minute deal was struck with the Department for Transport. The new agreement was criticised by the unions for offering a wage increase that fell short of the 10% baseline the unions had demanded, as well as for failing to address concerns over long working hours and insufficient staff numbers.

The “Four‑Day Extension” Decision

When negotiations collapsed on Friday, union leaders convened an emergency meeting. They decided to extend the strike by four days, beginning on Saturday and running through to Tuesday of the following week. The extension will affect approximately 12,000 workers, according to union spokespeople, and is scheduled to coincide with the peak of the summer travel season, ensuring maximum pressure on the government and transport operators.

“We are not going to be intimidated,” said RMT’s Midlands organiser, Michael Turner. “This extension is a strategic move to demonstrate our solidarity and to force a fair settlement that reflects the contribution of our members to the nation’s economy.”

The union’s statement emphasised that the workers are “ready to strike, but not ready to cripple the economy.” They pledged to coordinate with local authorities to minimise the impact on emergency services and to offer safe‑travel alternatives for passengers affected by the strikes.

Union Objectives and Bargaining Demands

The unions’ core demands revolve around:

1. Pay – a 10% pay rise, plus a living wage component that accounts for inflation and cost‑of‑living pressures.
2. Working Conditions – reductions in shift lengths and overtime, and improvements in staffing levels to eliminate the chronic shortages that have plagued the rail and bus sectors for years.
3. Job Security – protection against contract renegotiations that could erode the status and benefits of current staff.
4. Safety Protocols – enhanced training and equipment to safeguard both workers and passengers, especially in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the increased demand for public transport.

These demands are consistent with the unions’ broader national campaign, which has already seen significant action in other major cities such as London, Birmingham and Leeds.

Government Response

The Department for Transport released a statement shortly after the announcement, urging workers to return to the bargaining table. “We are prepared to engage in constructive dialogue with union representatives to reach a fair, sustainable agreement,” the statement read. Ministers also warned that prolonged industrial action could have wider economic ramifications, particularly on the country’s freight network and airport operations.

The Prime Minister’s office, meanwhile, indicated that the government remains committed to “finding a compromise that balances the needs of workers and the public.” The statement was cautious, noting that the government had no “immediate plans to intervene directly in the strike.”

Impact on Passengers and the Wider Economy

Transport disruptions have already strained commuters. According to a report by the Manchester City Council, the strike has already cost the city approximately £3 million in lost productivity for businesses reliant on rail and bus services. Local businesses in the city centre have reported a decline in footfall, while airports have seen a 5% drop in passenger numbers on the days of the strike.

In addition to economic losses, the strike has highlighted the precarious nature of the transport sector. An investigation by the Transport Workers’ Union found that around 25% of bus drivers are on zero‑hour contracts, a practice that undermines job security and income stability.

Looking Ahead

The unions are now preparing for a high‑stakes bargaining session scheduled for next Wednesday. If the parties fail to reach a settlement, the four‑day extension will be followed by an indefinite strike, with the potential to spill into other regions of the country.

Meanwhile, local MPs and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have called for a “balanced” resolution that protects workers’ rights while safeguarding public transport services. They have pledged to support the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of keeping essential transport links open for all residents.

As the strike continues, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Manchester, where the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for transport workers across the UK. The next week will test whether the unions can secure their demands without crippling the city’s economy, or whether the government can offer a compromise that satisfies the workers’ grievances. Whatever the outcome, the extended strike underscores a broader crisis in the transport sector—one that will continue to shape policy and public debate for months to come.