Metro passengers urged to use alternative transport as 'poor' service continues on day six of industrial action

Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro service, has announced that there will be ‘poor’ service across its network on Friday, December 6, as industrial action enters its sixth day.

The action taken by drivers in the ASLEF and RMT unions started on Sunday, December 1 and comes after drivers in the two unions decided to shun a 15% pay rise offer.

However, Aslef has said its 50-strong members working for the Metro are calling for the same level of pay they could get for another operator and as a result the unions have withdrawn overtime.

This means Metro train crew are not working any additional paid voluntary shifts.

Nexus says runs Metro as a public service without profit – all the money it receives in fares go towards the cost of operating, including employee wages.

It says it cannot afford to go beyond the offer it has made.

In a statement on Twitter the operator said that as a result of reduced driver availability following industrial action, there are some cancelled trains.

It said: “Due to industrial action by train crew unions, Metro will run a significantly disrupted service today, Friday, December 6.

“Trains will be busy with gaps in service.

“Please use alternative transport where possible.

“This may change - check before travelling.”

A list of affected journeys can be found on the Nexus website but are subject to change.

Passengers can also keep up to date on the Metro Twitter account: @My_Metro.