New Tube strike threat

Tube commuters today face another strike threat.

Leaders of the two biggest unions claim train drivers on the District line have been threatened with disciplinary action in a long-running dispute over depot facilities.

Bob Crow, leader of the largest Tube union, the RMT, said he wanted to make "absolutely clear" that any attempt to discipline the drivers "will be met with a ballot of our entire London Underground membership".

Since January drivers at the large Acton Town District line depot have been refusing to "book on" - report for shifts - at Earl's Court. They say facilities including changing rooms and lavatories are not up to standard.

An LU spokesman said: "We have spent millions upgrading staff facilities at Earl's Court and across the Underground network. We have an agreement with the trade unions for drivers to book on and to drive District line trains at Earl's Court, which they have already received payment for."

A meeting between LU and union leaders was expected today.