METROLINK tram workers in Manchester will begin balloting on Monday on a call for strike action over pay.

More than 600 drivers, controllers, engineers, customer service and business support staff, who are members of the Unite union, have rejected a “woeful” 4.5 per cent pay increase following years of below-inflation pay rises.

The drivers want the company, owned by British-French privateers Keolis-Amey, to provide guaranteed above-inflation increases over the next three years.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It’s reprehensible how companies worth billions like Keolis and Amey can value their workers so poorly while lining the pockets of their shareholders.

“Transport for Greater Manchester and the mayor need to set them straight and tell them to pay our members a decent wage for their vital work in keeping Manchester on the move.”

Strike action could take place before the end of July.

Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: “I would encourage Metrolink to urgently come back to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.”

KeolisAmey Metrolink managing director Damien Chabas said the firm was “committed to offering a fair pay deal to our employees” and “meaningful discussions with Unite.”