Two-day Metro strike called off as RMT and Nexus hold further talks

The planned Metro strike over two days in January has been called off, say Nexus chiefs.

Industrial action on the Tyne and Wear Metro by the RMT Union, including a planned strike on Monday, January 6, and Tuesday, January 7, has been called off following fresh talks.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, met with RMT representatives on Friday, December 27, following informal contact between the two parties throughout the dispute.

Following yesterday’s meeting, the RMT’s National Executive Committee has agreed to suspend the industrial action, which included an overtime ban, pending an improved offer being put to its members.

Metro Services Director, Chris Carson, said: “I’m pleased that we have had very positive discussions with the RMT Union and as a result all industrial action by Metro train crew has been suspended.

“The planned train crew strikes on 6 and 7 January will not be taking place and the overtime ban which led to a reduced service throughout December has also been called off.

”This is great news for our passengers to whom I would like to apologise for the inconvenience running up to and during the festive period.

“We had very productive talks in which both parties agreed to a compromise in an attempt to end this dispute. Further discussions will take place on Monday with both the RMT and ASLEF Unions to finalise a new offer, and we hope this will lead to a ballot for a new Train Crew Agreement that helps us all move the Metro into a positive future.”