Unite win pay increase at Tyne and Wear Metro

 

Engineers win increased pay deal following Unite negotiations – industrial action called off

 

Industrial action by engineers on the Tyne and Wear Metro has been called off following successful negotiations by Unite that have led to an increased pay deal for workers.

 

Engineers at the Metro had threatened to take strike action, potentially bringing the Metro to a standstill, after their requests for a fair pay increase had not been met. After Stadler Rail, the contractor for engineering services on the Metro, increased their offer to a seven per cent pay rise, members were balloted and accepted the new deal.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing together in solidarity and being prepared to take industrial action our members have secured a pay increase which met their expectations.

 

“Unite is always prepared to negotiate and I’m pleased Stadler Rail acted in a timely fashion to our demands– a marked contrast to other transport operators in the North East.”

 

Unite regional officer Craig Cuggy added: “This is a great win for Unite and our members who have got a fair pay rise for the highly skilled and safety critical work they perform. Other employers in the region should take notice of how productive negotiations leads to a better deal for everyone involved.”

 

-ENDS-