Unite regional officer Dave Roberts added: “Metrolink tram workers, who continued to work throughout the pandemic, are simply not going to accept a frankly pitiful one per cent pay deal.

“Unite has been seeking to resolve this matter for six months without success and our members now believe that as a last resort they have no other option but to take strike action.

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“Strike action and the inevitable disruption that will bring can still be averted if management returns to the negotiating table with a realistic pay offer.

“Unite is dedicated to advancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and will fight back against any efforts to diminish workers’ living standards.”

Transport for Greater Manchester has been contacted for a comment.