Strike threat from tube cleaners

The results of the ballot is expected in several weeks

Hundreds of cleaners working on the London Underground could strike in a row over pay.

About 700 members of the Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union employed by four private Tube contractors will be balloted on industrial action.

The RMT said hourly rates of just more than �5.50 were far short of trade union demands for a London "living wage" of �7.20 an hour.

Transport for London (TfL) said the ballot was "completely unnecessary".

Union members will vote over the next few weeks.

The RMT's leader Bob Crow said: "It is nonsense that cleaning contractors who make millions cannot afford to pay a living wage to the people who do some of the dirtiest and most difficult jobs on the Tube."

But a spokesman for TfL said: "Metronet will transfer to Transport for London May 27.

"Following transfer, we will negotiate with Metronet's sub-contractors to ensure that they pay their employees who work on the Tube the London living wage."

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