More than 200 tram workers in Nottingham are set to strike for ten days causing “huge disruption” during the city’s historic Goose Fair.

The GMB union confirmed yesterday that staff plan from Friday, when the annual fair- which is the oldest in Europe – begins.

Workers including drivers, maintenance teams and security staff are set to strike.

Tram operator Nottingham Express Transit (NET) said the strike action would have “huge implications” for the survival of the network.

A NET spokesperson said the union’s announcement followed its third offer being rejected, which it called a “substantial increase on the previous offer submitted by NET and offered a well above-inflation pay increase for 2024, with the guarantee of a further above-inflation pay increase for 2025”.

It added the strikes would have “huge implications” for the survival of the tram network and its customers.

Colin Whyatt, GMB organiser, said: “Strike action is a last resort, and it’s no wonder so many Nottingham residents are aghast that tram bosses have let this happen.

“Tram staff do vital work keeping families, businesses and communities moving.

“It’s only right that their pay lets them keep up with the bills and take care of their families.

“Unfortunately tram bosses appear not to agree and workers are being forced to take matters into their own hands.”

Strike action is due to begin at 00:01 BST on Friday and run until 23:59 on Sunday 6 October.

A “severely reduced” service will be in place, with some unable to run and some running at altered times.

Sarah Turner, service delivery and safety director at NET, added: “From the outset, GMB has pointedly made the decision to target Goose Fair, deliberately disrupting a much-loved family event that brings so much enjoyment to the people of Nottingham and surrounding areas.”

Planned strikes in 2023 were called off a day before the event started.