Tyne & Wear Metro staff say yes to strike

Metro workers have voted to strike in two separate disputes

Tyne and Wear Metro cleaners and other staff have voted to go on strike in two separate disputes over pay and the alleged victimisation of a colleague.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said operational staff were not happy with a 1.3% pay rise.

The second dispute involves cleaners who are protesting at the "unfair" disciplinary action taken against a colleague.

Owner and manager Nexus said it hoped that the disputes could be resolved.

'Delay action'

Richard McClean, managing director of service operator DB Regio Tyne and Wear, called for further talks.

He said: "We have always said we want negotiations to continue with the unions and for these matters to be resolved without disruption to the services we provide on behalf of Nexus, to tens of thousands of people who use the Metro every day.

"If the unions would like to delay calling any action until further talks have been held, we would very much welcome that."

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Cleaners have shown that they will not put up with victimisation and bullying, and our members employed by DB Regio have given a resounding no to attacks on pay and conditions.

"In the face of this insulting 1.3% offer from the company, we have had no option but to ballot for action in defence of our members' standard of living.

"It wasn't transport workers who created this economic crisis and we will not sit back and wait for our members to take the hit in their pockets.

"Both of these resounding mandates for action will now be considered by the RMT executive."

A Nexus spokesman said: "We urge all parties to continue negotiations and settle this dispute."