Tube Lines maintains the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines

The announcement follows moves by Tube Lines contractor ISS to reduce its work force by 140 and "refocus resources".

The RMT said sackings that "result in dirty stations and trains and unfairly increase the burden on remaining staff" would be unacceptable.

London mayor Ken Livingstone criticised the proposed cuts last month.

"I do not see how they can maintain standards of cleanliness by cutting staff," he said.

'Potentially dangerous'

Tube Lines is responsible for cleaning and maintenance on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

However, RMT general secretary Bob Crow has accused the company of "sacking some of the lowest-paid people on the Tube network and treating passengers and the environment with contempt".

"Our members are angry and determined to fight these unnecessary, potentially dangerous and environmentally offensive redundancies," he said on Thursday.

An ISS spokesman said the company was "disappointed that RMT have taken the decision to ballot its members".

"We will continue to have dialogue with the unions and our staff whilst maintaining the current standards of cleanliness," he continued.

"We are still trying to relocate as many staff as possible."