Tube workers suspended over beer cans

Fourteen Tube track workers have been suspended after 100 empty beer cans were discovered in the roof above their office, it is reported today.

Investigators found the cans of lager, along with dozens of empty wine and brandy bottles, after lifting a roof panel at Farringdon Tube station.

They also found a six-pack of beer in the fridge and empty lager cans in the oven in the staff mess room.

The men all work for private firm Metronet which is responsible for maintenance on the District and Circle lines.

They were assigned to vital daily track maintenance to keep the Tube running safely.

All the workers face disciplinary proceedings.

One worker said: "This booze was drunk by a handful of staff.

"We've seen them smoking dope. Three men are at the centre of this and we've told them to come clean, but they won't. They've been smoking pot for years."

The 14 men tested negative for drugs and alcohol after the find, which followed a tip-off from a sub-contractor.

A Metronet spokesman said: "We have a zero tolerance attitude to drugs and alcohol."

The row comes as the RMT Tube workers' union considers balloting members on industrial action over safety concerns following two derailments.

But a senior Tube manager said union members were responsible for the beer cans and said the discovery was evidence of RMT "hypocrisy".