Metrolink trams are now confirmed to be running for Manchester’s Parklife Festival this weekend after the planned strike action was called off on Wednesday evening.
It was expected no trams would run on either Saturday or Sunday, leaving most people heading to the event by public transport to rely on the shuttle bus service from the city centre.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “I am pleased to say this weekend’s strike action on Manchester Metrolink has been called off. I have been working to bring the two sides together and am grateful to Unite the Union and KeolisAmey for reaching agreement on an improved offer that will now be put to members.
“It is of course for Unite members to decide whether to accept this offer and we can’t pre-empt that. Strike action is therefore only suspended. But trams will be running this weekend and this is good news for everyone going to Parklife and other big events.”
Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “Unite made it clear from the outset that Metrolink was fully able to make an improved offer and as a result of the intervention of the mayor that has now occurred. Our members will now be balloted on the offer and they will decide if it meets their expectations.”
Parklife organisers had previously warned the shuttle buses could become extremely busy and as an alternative, a recommended walking route to the city centre was published. It would take about an hour to walk between the centre of Manchester and Parklife at Heaton Park.
In previous years, the £5 per day shuttle bus passes also included travel on Metrolink trams. We’re not yet sure if this will be reinstated now the strikes have been called off, but if you’re planning on using public transport it’s worth keeping an eye out for an official announcement. Saturday, Sunday and full weekend travel passes are available to purchase here.
To get to Heaton Park via the Metrolink you need to get the tram towards Bury and get off at Heaton Park or Bowker Vale. In previous years, the Heaton Park stop has closed at around 6pm while the festival is running and a short walk to Bowker Vale was required to travel back home.
More than 95% of Unite members balloted supported the strike action after staff were only offered a 5% pay rise over 15 months, which was described as a “very significant real terms pay cut”. If today’s revised offer is also rejected, more strike dates will likely be announced in future.
Parklife is the UK’s largest metropolitan festival and will be headlined by The 1975 and Aitch. While tickets had previously sold out, a very limited number of last-minute tickets are currently available from this page on Ticketmaster.
Image credits:
Ed Webster / CC BY 2.0
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