Since yesterday, the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union has been balloting its members working on the Docklands Light Railway for strike action.

The union is in an ongoing dispute with Serco Docklands bosses over redundancies and working hours.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said management had shown total disregard for the idea of proper negotiation and had victimised and dismissed two of their members, Julian Harper and Ian Peavot.

A failure to consult over redundancies and the introduction of new grades and a claim for a 35 hour working week are amongst the union’s grievances.

Mr Crow said: “Serco are treating RMT and their staff with complete contempt and this cannot be tolerated any longer.”

Balloting will close on January 11.

David Stretch, managing director of Serco Docklands, said: “We are surprised and very disappointed to hear the RMT is balloting our employees again.

“We have been working constructively with union representatives over the last few months to address a number of issues.”