Rail workers balloted on strikes

South Eastern Trains has been running the service since 2003

Rail workers at a train company in the South East are to be balloted on strike action in a row over re-privatisation.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) at South Eastern Trains will vote in the next few weeks on whether to take industrial action.

The company runs trains from Kent and parts of Sussex and Surrey into London. Four bidders are competing to take over the franchise from early next year.

South Eastern Trains said it was disappointed the ballot was being held.

Job cuts feared

The company has run trains in the South East since Connex was stripped of its franchise in 2003.

The RMT has been protesting at plans to re-privatise the franchise, arguing that services have improved since South Eastern has been in charge.

The union fears possible job cuts and has asked for assurances there will be no compulsory redundancies or worsening of pensions and other working conditions.

The franchise area covers Kent and parts of Sussex and London

"We made it quite clear that failure to agree by the end of August would result in a dispute and we have now set in motion a ballot for strike action among our 1,350 members," said RMT general secretary Bob Crowe.

Michael Holden South Eastern's managing director, said a meeting had been set up with the RMT on 20 September to discuss its demands.

"I'm saddened that this unnecessary and extreme step has been taken before we've even had the chance to discuss them," he said.

"It is not possible to agree to reinstate previous British Rail terms and conditions nor can we stop the re-franchising of the South Eastern Trains' network.

"Equally, I cannot make an agreement now as to what the owners of the company may wish to do after the transfer."