Since we’re going to get a centre left or left wing Metro Mayor with I’d enforce a colleague contract with minimum obligations on both sides

A colleague forum which is consulted and engaged on key decisions (keyword consulted and engaged not running the show but more than tokenism)

Agreed working practices and hours, a set living wage

Basic as that. Value your colleagues and they will return the favour. Basically do the opposite of Bensham (of which every single manager would be sacked (based on independent review) or if potential is seen, retrained up to a minimum people management standard with a CIPD qualification in all areas (from engineering to the top)