Hundreds of London Underground workers are to be balloted for strikes in a row over the alleged victimisation of two men.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) claims both have been targeted unfairly by management.

Several hundred workers will vote in the next few weeks on whether to take industrial action in support of the men.

The two ballots will end on December 7, raising the threat of industrial action in the run-up to Christmas.

The RMT claims Eamon Lynch, a health and safety representative on the Bakerloo Line, was sacked because of his role as a union official.

It also maintains Arwyn Thomas, a driver on the Northern Line, is facing "trumped up" charges as a result of recent strikes over job losses.

Members of the RMT and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association have staged a series of walkouts in recent weeks and are planning another from next Sunday evening.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Instead of harassing our members and activists management should be directing their energies into reaching a settlement to the ongoing disputes over Tube safety and safe staffing levels."

Talks aimed at averting next Sunday's 24-hour strike will resume today at the conciliation service Acas.

The unions have indicated they will suspend action over Christmas in the row over job losses if progress is made in the talks, but so far there has been no sign of a breakthrough.


Source: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Tube-Strikes-Threat-At-Christmas-Over-Alleged-Victimisation-Of-Two-London-Underground-Workers/Article/201011315821121?lpos=Business_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_7&lid=ARTICLE_15821121_Tube_Strikes_Threat_At_Christmas_Over_Alleged_Victimisation_Of_Two_London_Underground_Workers__