Tube drivers' pre-Christmas strike threat

Tube train drivers serving the Metropolitan and Hammersmith and City lines are to be balloted for strike action in a dispute over new timetables.

Union bosses meet tomorrow to approve a ballot for the 250 drivers at Neasden depot, which serves the two lines. Commuters already face other pre-Christmas strikes, by the RMT and Unite unions, in a row over pay.

Aslef, the train drivers' union, says new schedules will mean drivers start earlier and finish later, giving them problems getting to and from work.

London Underground said it would not be swayed and would introduce the timetables on 13 December. The Circle line, which uses the same facilities, would also be affected by walkouts.

Steve Grant, Aslef's London district organiser, said: "These changes will have a huge adverse effect on drivers."