Merseyrail: 2026 Management Grades Pay Offer Accepted

Following negotiations with the Company and extensive proactive engagement with members, we are writing to confirm that a 4% pay increase for a 12-month period, with no strings attached, has been accepted on your behalf.

This outcome reflects the views and priorities expressed by members during the recent canvassing and survey exercise. Your Representative took the time to speak with many of you directly, ensuring that your aspirations were clearly understood and strongly presented in negotiations. On that basis, the union is satisfied that this settlement aligns with the clear direction provided by members.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Ian Bellehewe, your Representative for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout this process and building good industrial relations between TSSA and the company through the re-establishment of the Management Company Council. His efforts have been instrumental in securing this result and ensuring that members’ voices were heard and respected.

I also want to remind you that Ian has taken the decision to step down from the Management representative role, and this pay agreement represents their final act in post. Ian’s contribution to colleagues across Merseyrail has been significant, and we are grateful for the time, energy, and integrity he has brought to the role.

As I recognise Ian’s departure, we also look ahead. Effective representation is vital to maintaining and improving your terms and conditions. I therefore encourage members to consider standing for the Representative position. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, to advocate for your colleagues, and to help shape the future of your workplace.

If you have ever thought about taking on a more active role within the union, now is the time. Your experience, perspective, and commitment can help ensure that members continue to have a strong and effective voice.

Whilst I recently ran a nomination process that closed on 21^st May, it didn’t produce any interested parties’.  Members can complete the relevant form, sign it and get 2 fellow TSSA members from within the management grade to nominate them and submit it to me before noon on Thursday 9^th July if at that point I still haven’t received any valid nominations then this position will be filled on a first come first served basis. You can access the form by clicking here

Thank you for your continued engagement and support and I hope that we find someone who is willing to fill Ian’s shoes.