Metro workers in strike ballot
Metro workers are to be balloted on strike action over the 1% public sector pay cap.
Rail union RMT has confirmed the ballot among workers with North East Metro Organisation Ltd – the company they have worked for since DB Region lost the contract for the day-today running of the system last year
The workers – including drivers – are being balloted for both strike action and action short of a strike over the imposition of the Government’s 1% pay cap.
They have already rejected the 1% on offer in a referendum ballot. The timetable will be announced in due course.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash, said: “Our members are prepared to fight for pay justice irrespective of being caught up in the crosshairs of the Government’s 1% pay cap.
“With inflation running at 4%, our members should not be forced to take a hit just to bail out a Government which seems to have plenty of cash available when it comes to looking after mates in the private train companies and beyond.”
“The RMT remains available for talks.”
It is understood that further talks are planned between the two parties before the ballot is due to take place.
A Nexus spokesman said: “We have worked hard with all our trade unions to agree a pay settlement which provides a fair deal for staff within the limits of public sector pay restraint by which Nexus is bound.”