PASSENGERS on the Tyne and Wear Metro face major disruptions after staff voted in favour of industrial action.

Workers at Nexus, which operates the transport system, decided to strike after rejecting an efficiency and productivity offer.

The strike is due to take place from next Thursday to Tuesday, August 27, and on September 11, September 22, October 5 and 6 and November 11.

Both sides are still engaged in discussion about the dispute in a bid to resolve issues.

A Nexus spokesman said last night: "Despite this industrial action we are still talking to Unison and will be working hard to avert strike action if possible.

"We advise our passengers that we will be updating them on a regular basis."