Like many public sector workers, TfGM staff suffered three years of pay freezes from 2010-2012, followed by years of below-inflation pay ‘rises’. In 2024 the unions’ pay campaign started to turn the tide, with above-inflation pay rises for the lowest paid staff, but this still leaves a long way to go.
Between April 2009 and March 2025 (the latest figures), average prices rose 87% according to the Retail Price Index (RPI). Meanwhile average regular earnings (i.e. not including overtime, bonuses etc) in the whole economy rose by 63% to February 2025 (the latest figures). Last year TfGM staff decided that enough was enough. But despite the 2024 increases, no pay band has kept up with either average earnings or inflation.
2024 showed that if more TfGM staff join the unions and get involved, we can stop the drop. Together we won dramatic improvements on standby payments and parental rights, and made a start at addressing the erosion of pay for lower-paid staff. We need to build on that in 2025.
Staff are asking for all pay points to be increased by 5% plus RPI inflation (which was 3.2% in the year to March 2025).
Last year we won a doubling of standby payments, but other allowances are badly out of date. Staff want all allowances to be increased, including first aid, fire marshals, relocation, standby, callout, Market Factor Supplements, travel, accommodation and subsistence. In future, we want allowances to be index-linked to an agreed pay point.
- TfGM staff vote for action and the first strikes are calledTfGM staff in both UNISON and Unite have voted for industrial action. The first strike days have been announced.
- TfGM unions ballot members for action over payUNISON and Unite, the unions at Transport for Greater Manchester, are both balloting members on industrial action in a dispute over the April 2025 pay claim. Details of the claim and much more can be found on stopthedrop.uk. Ballot papers are being posted out to Unite members on 10 September 2025 and to UNISON members… Read more: TfGM unions ballot members for action over pay
- What’s the story with TfGM pay?Depending on your pay point, TfGM pay has fallen between 18% and 46% over the last fifteen years, in real terms.
- 2025 pay claim submittedKey points in the claim include an increase to all pay points of 5% plus inflation, a reduction in hours without loss of pay to enable a four-day week, and improvements to staff travel.
- Pay calculator and ballot FAQsUNISON and Unite have published Frequently Asked Questions about the ballot. Check your pay with UNISON’s calculator.
- Get ballot-ready!Union members voted by a large majority to reject the pay offer and that they were prepared to take sustained action in pursuit of a better offer. The latest Stop the Drop flier explains what you need to do now, whether you are a member or not. Click the image to read more.
- 2024 pay offer REJECTEDUnion members rejected the pay offer by a large majority. Preparations for statutory industrial action ballots have begun.
- Pay update 6 June 2024Talks but still no pay offer from our employers. Unions set a deadline.
- But aren’t prices falling now?Inflation has come down, but prices are still rising. Other workers are winning above inflation pay rises.
- Make low pay go awayMany TfGM staff at band 5 and below are paid less than £15 an hour, while outsourced staff aren’t even guaranteed £12 an hour.
- What are pay gaps and why do they matter?What are pay gaps, what causes them, and what should TfGM be doing?
- What are standby allowances?Standby rates are so low, not having been updated for many years, that some managers can’t find volunteers to work standby.
- How does pay work at TfGM?What is the process, and what are job evaluation, pay bands, points and rates?
- How has TfGM pay dropped?The value of TfGM pay has dropped over time. With inflation lower now, TfGM can STOP the DROP with an above-inflation pay increase.