Victoria rail route commuters face New Year strikes

Commuters on mainline routes into Victoria station face strike action as they return from the Christmas break.

The RMT union today announced a ballot among members on operator Southern - which includes the Brighton line.

Union bosses want extra leave for working on 28 December, a bank holiday because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. Southern has refused the demand.

The ballot will close on 21 December and the strike could begin on 28 December.

RMT leader Bob Crow said: "Southern should be recognising the hard work of their staff over the year by offering a gesture of goodwill over the festive season."

■ RMT leaders today staged a demonstration over 1,500 jobs losses outside a Network Rail meeting at the Langham Hotel, Regent Street.