Tube strike row deepens

Tube union chiefs today warned they will cripple services on New Year's Eve in a row over pay and working conditions.

London Underground and Mayor Ken Livingstone promised to run services through the night on New Year's Eve - but this has now been thrown into chaos.

The RMT union is rushing through a ballot for strike action by more than 330 key signallers and line controllers. This would also bring massive knock-on travel chaos on New Year's Day.

The Transport and Salaried Staffs Association is also considering a ballot of members in this group over the row.

According to RMT leader Bob Crow, four years of talks broke down when LU ordered longer shifts, shorter rest breaks and a 14 per cent cut in jobs for the group.

But LU said there will be further talks this week, which it expected would lead to a " constructive" agreement.