Tram strikes over 10 days to hit historic Goose Fair

More than 200 tram workers are set to walk out

More than 200 tram workers in Nottingham will strike after a pay deal was rejected, meaning "huge disruption" is expected at the city's annual Goose Fair.

The GMB union confirmed on Thursday that staff would walk out for 10 days from Friday - the start of the historic fair, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

Workers including drivers, maintenance teams and security staff are set to strike.

Tram operator Nottingham Express Transit (NET) said the strike action would have "huge implications" for the survival of the network.

Colin Whyatt, GMB organiser, said: "Strike action is a last resort, and it's no wonder so many Nottingham residents are aghast that tram bosses have let this happen.

"Tram staff do vital work keeping families, businesses and communities moving.

"It's only right that their pay lets them keep up with the bills and take care of their families.

"Unfortunately tram bosses appear not to agree and workers are being forced to take matters into their own hands."

A NET spokesperson said the union's announcement followed its third offer being rejected, which it called a "substantial increase on the previous offer submitted by NET and offered a well above-inflation pay increase for 2024, with the guarantee of a further above-inflation pay increase for 2025".

It added the strikes would have "huge implications" for the survival of the tram network and its customers.

Strike action is due to begin at 00:01 BST on Friday and run until 23:59 on Sunday 6 October.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Goose Fair was previously only cancelled for world wars and the plague

A "severely reduced" service will be in place, with some unable to run and some running at altered times.

Sarah Turner, service delivery and safety director at NET, added: "We are bitterly disappointed by GMB union members' decision to reject our secondary pay offer, particularly as this is the offer that GMB had recommended following our ongoing discussions.

"From the outset, GMB has pointedly made the decision to target Goose Fair, deliberately disrupting a much-loved family event that brings so much enjoyment to the people of Nottingham and surrounding areas."

The Goose Fair, which dates back to 1284, attracts thousands of people to the city each year but stallholders are concerned the strike could dampen spirits.

Planned strikes in 2023 were called off a day before the event started.