RMT to ballot for action on Tyne and Wear Metro
Nexus, who run the Tyne and Wear Metro, say they're still talking to the union
Last updated 25th Jan 2018
Rail union RMT confirmed today that it will be balloting NEMOL members on the Metro for both strike action, and action short of a strike, because of the Government's 1% pay cap.
The Tyne and Wear NEMOL workforce are classed as local government employees so are subject to the government's imposed 1% pay cap.
Micky Thompson, RMT North East regional organiser said:
"RMT members have democratically indicated via a referendum ballot that they are not prepared to accept a pay award in line with the imposed public sector pay constraints. With inflation at around 4% and the affected membership only receiving a capped 1% pay offer then in real terms it is pay cut.
"As a direct result of this, disposable incomes and expenditure associated with the true cost of living are impacted further, which in turn places greater financial strain and insecurity upon my members and their families."
A Nexus spokesman said:
“We have worked hard with all our trades 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. We are still talking to the RMT to understand and address the issues its members have with our offer in order to avoid a ballot for industrial action.”
The RMT say a timetable for proposed action will be announced in due course.