METROLINK workers are to go on strike next month.

More than 200 workers on the tram network will take part in industrial action from 9pm on June 7 until 5.59am on June 10.

The action coincides with the popular Parklife festival in Heaton Park which attracts thousands of music lovers to the borough every year.

Aline Frantzen, managing director at KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), said: “We’re disappointed that Unite have notified us of their intention to take strike action during Parklife weekend and we’re sorry for the disruption that will cause to customers if they go ahead with a strike.

“KAM is doing all we can to put robust contingency plans in place for alternative transport and we will give clear information to customers as early as possible."

The action has been called over a pay dispute between Metrolink workers and KAM, and was approved by 96 per cent of balloted Unite union members.

Unite regional officer, Steve Davies, said: “We appreciate that the strike action is taking place during the popular Parklife Festival and travel disruption is on cards for festival goers – that’s why we are calling for urgent talks with the management to reach a fair settlement before the bands start playing.”

Unite says it has called for "constructive talks" with KAM and hit out at the company's offer of a pay rise between one and five per cent and staff working conditions.

Mr Davies added: “The company has adopted a ‘divide and rule’ policy in offering different pay rises to separate groups which we won’t tolerate – we are seeking a substantial pay rise for all our non-driver members.

“The company has also tied in any offer to a serious erosion of current employment conditions.

"The bosses are expecting a lot for their current offer including a worsening of unsocial hours working and new rosters impacting on our members’ work/life balance.

“We are calling out the network controllers across the 62 mile system and without them the whole network will grind to a halt very quickly."

KAM says it remains committed to the success of talks with Unite and hopes to find a resolution to the dispute.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said the strike action was "disappointing", adding: "Talks are continuing and we’d encourage Unite and KAM to continue these discussions with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution.”