Staff employed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have commenced a second day of strike action today, Friday 19 December, in an ongoing dispute over pay.
Workers Reject 'Inadequate' Pay Proposal
The industrial action, coordinated by the union UNISON, involves a range of employees including those working at bus stations and interchanges, infrastructure project officers, and customer service staff. The walkout follows an overwhelming rejection of a pay offer worth 3.2 per cent for the 2025/26 financial year.
UNISON states that this pay increase was due more than six months ago. The union has labelled the offer as "inadequate" and says the employer has failed to improve its wage proposal since a work-to-rule began in October and an initial walkout on Friday 14 November.
Disruption to Services and Projects
The strike is expected to cause significant disruption across the region. UNISON warns that the planning of transport operations, environmental schemes, housing projects, and community work will all be impacted.
Ashley Morley, UNISON West Midlands regional organiser, emphasised that staff were reluctant to take action. "Combined authority staff don't want to take this action and the employer could have avoided it with a decent pay offer," he said. "Workers have faced major changes to the service and taken on greater responsibilities. Their pay should reflect that."
Calls for Improved Offer to Avert Further Action
The union has made a clear appeal to WMCA managers to return to negotiations with an improved offer to prevent further strikes. Donna Rowe-Merriman, UNISON head of transport and environment, highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on workers.
"The rising cost of living continues to hit workers hard and simply can’t be ignored by employers," she stated. "The decision to strike is never taken lightly, but the strength of feeling among the workforce is clear. Members are determined to stand up for fair pay."
UNISON asserts that further strikes can be avoided entirely if the WMCA presents a pay offer that properly recognises the skills, dedication, and critical work of its staff in keeping regional services running.
