Metro drivers back industrial action over pay, operator Nexus 'astonished'

Metro drivers who are members of two trade unions have backed industrial action over a pay dispute - operator Nexus has said it is "astonished" by the move.

Staff in the RMT and ASLEF unions have opted to reject a 15 per cent pay rise over two years on top of annual rises, Nexus has described this deal as "unprecedented" and said it would take their annual salary up to an estimated £46,000 per year by April 1 2022.

The members of both unions have balloted in favour of industrial action, with the following measures being advised:

* Overtime ban and rest day working ban from 00.01 hours on Sunday 1st December until further notice.

* All train crew coaches to cease the voluntary role of coach/mentor pertaining to train drivers. This to include both in and out of passenger service, as well as, class room activities/duties from 00.01 hours on Sunday 1st December until further notice.

Metro Services Director, Chris Carson, said:

He urged the unions to finalise details of the pay deal with Nexus and added that if any action did happen the public would be kept informed of what was happening.

ASLEF told ITV Tyne Tees that drivers' pay needed to stay competitive.

A spokesperson said:

The RMT has released the following statement: