11 Jul 2013 12:30

Tyne and Wear Metro bosses again refuse to intervene as cleaners stage two week strike
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A metro train at East Boldon A metro train at East Boldon

Metro staff will tomorrow walk out for two weeks in a continued dispute over pay and conditions.

Churchill Services staff will again “down tools”, beginning the longest spell of action in what has been a prolonged industrial conflict.

But, despite continued criticism from the RMT union, both network owner Nexus and operator DB Regio Tyne and Wear say it is not their problem to resolve.

A Nexus spokesman said: “This is a dispute between the RMT and Churchill. Nexus does not employ the cleaning staff on Metro so cannot get involved in an issue over their terms and conditions. It is a matter for the employer and the union to negotiate over.

“We continue to urge both parties to get around the table and resolve this long-running dispute.”

Sharon Kelly, director of customer services and operations at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, agreed.

“This is a matter for Churchill to resolve with its staff,” Ms Kelly said – although she admitted DB Regio have put contingency cleaning plans in place.

The strike coincides with the Durham Miners’ Gala, where the cleaners plan to have a high profile, and follows on from 19 days of industrial action in less than 18 months over calls for a “living wage” – one the RMT suggests might be more than minimum wage and include “perks” like sick pay or free travel passes.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said he remained confident the cleaners would get what they want.

“We now move to a serious escalation of the dispute with a fortnight of action which shows clearly that RMT is geared up for a victory that we know is within our grasp,” he said.

“This battle is now seen as having national significance in the campaign against low pay and exploitation by greedy companies and RMT will continue to ratchet up the pressure for fairness for this important group of North East transport staff.

“It remains a scandal that the regional passenger organisation Nexus, and the operating company DB Regio, have still not lifted a finger to stop this exploitation and poverty pay scandal on their own doorstep and RMT has no intention of letting them off the hook.

“Nexus and the city council cannot wash their hands of this dispute and RMT is stepping up the call for them to intervene to help force a solution as the fight for pay and workplace justice will continue until we win.”

Churchill did not provide a comment.

Source: Evening Chronicle