Mancunian Way: Meeting expectations?

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In news that will please the thousands of people heading to Parklife or concerts in the city centre this weekend, Metrolink staff have suspended their planned strike action on Saturday and Sunday after being offered a new pay deal by operator KeolisAmey.

It comes after mayor Andy Burnham met with union representatives this week in an last-minute attempt to avert the industrial action. Staff were originally offered a 5 per cent pay rise for a 15-month period but trade union Unite described the offer as a 'very significant real terms pay cut'.

The details of the new pay deal have not been announced publicly, which will now be put to a vote by members. If the deal is not agreed on, members will announce further strike action.

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden told Local Democracy Reporter Joseph Timan: "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.”

The two-day action would have seen a big strain on transport across Greater Manchester as fans enjoy Parklife at Heaton Park, The Weeknd at the Etihad, Roger Waters at the AO Arena, and Soccer Aid at Old Trafford over the weekend.

Mr Burnham said: "Last week I made an offer to intervene and facilitate a dialogue between Metrolink operator KeolisAmey and representatives of Unite, in an effort to advance talks and avert industrial action this weekend.

"We’ve worked hard with colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester