Newcastle’s Labour leader has urged Metro drivers to call off a two-day strike that is set to cause chaos across the region.
Nick Forbes says that a complete shutdown of the Tyne and Wear rail network this Friday and Saturday caused by a strike from the RMT union will lead to “misery” for passengers on two of the busiest days of the year.
As well as being incredibly busy Christmas shopping days, the industrial action will also clash with black eye Friday nights out and a Newcastle United home game.
Metro operator Nexus claims to have offered to increase drivers’ pay by 15% over the next two years to an annual £46,000 salary.
But the union says there is no such pay offer and that drivers are instead being asked to “sell off” the terms and conditions of their contracts, in return for an increase in their basic salary.
The RMT has also claimed that an exodus of Metro drivers to other companies is causing “absolute chaos”, with the Tyne and Wear network reliant on its remaining drivers agreeing to work overtime shifts.
Coun Forbes said: “Any strike on the Metro causes more misery for the public and striking on a busy day during Christmas is a calculated attempt to cause disruption.
“I strongly urge the RMT to cancel these plans and get back to the negotiating table so long suffering Tyne and Wear residents are not impacted further.
“An offer of a 15% salary increase is on the table, under the circumstances I believe this is very generous. I would urge the RMT to accept so the Metro can return to normal.”
RMT regional organiser Micky Thompson said the union would be “mad” to refuse a 15% pay rise - but says that is not what is on the table.
Mr Thompson claims that Nexus wants its drivers to offer the company “unlimited flexibility” on days when they are 'spare', while there are further disagreements on issues including shift lengths and breaks.
He added: “I respect Nick Forbes and his position. Allow me to do what I do, which is to represent my members and their interests.”
North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll said that the root of the dispute between Nexus and the RMT was a “long history of government not investing in public transport”.
He added: “I would like to think this government will face up to its responsibility to invest in our public transport in the way other European nations invest in theirs.”
