Strike brings Metro to standstill

A strike caused problems for commuters in January

Football fans are likely to be among those hit by a strike which has brought the Tyne and Wear Metro system to a standstill.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) and Amicus trade unions are taking the action in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

The first of two 24-hour strikes started at 1900 GMT on Friday, another will follow from 1900 GMT on Sunday.

Bus and train operators say they are coping well with additional passengers.

All Metro services stopped at about 1900 GMT on Friday.

A small number of trains will operate on Sunday, but those to Sunderland will stop at 1400 GMT.

Among those who will be affected will be football fans travelling to Sunderland's match on Sunday.

Maximise disruption

Businesses have also raised concerns that they will be affected by the action.

On Sunday, because of Sunderland's FA Cup match at the Stadium of Light and police safety concerns, a half hourly Metro service to Sunderland will end at about 1400 GMT.

Nexus said it could not guarantee services from the Stadium of Light when the game finishes some time around 1800 GMT.

A half-hourly service will operate throughout the day on the rest of the network on Sunday until 1900 GMT.

Passengers were hit by a one-day stoppage in January.

The row is over the unions' claim for an increase in pay linked to a reduction in the working week.

Earlier this week, Metro director Ken Mackay accused the unions of targeting football fans, shoppers and families to maximise disruption.

But RMT regional organiser Stan Herschel said the timing of the strikes had been agreed well before they knew Sunderland had won a place in the FA Cup quarter finals.