A strike ballot of nearly 400 train drivers on the Piccadilly Line started on Monday (February 22).

Members of RMT union will vote on whether or not to take strike action over what they say is a “comprehensive breakdown in industrial relations” with London Underground bosses.

The Piccadilly Line is the fourth-busiest line on the London Underground network, transporting an average of 600,000 passengers a day, including services to Heathrow Airport .

On Wednesday (February 17) RMT announced that it would ballot drivers on the Piccadilly Line , closing on March 8.

RMT claims the strike is due to industrial problems on the line, including the trains which are described as “ageing”.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT will not sit back and allow individual members to be picked off by a vindictive and aggressive management who are continuing to drag their heels over addressing fundamental safety issues which leave staff in a vulnerable and exposed position.

“RMT will not watch from the sidelines while our members are boxed into a position where they are left to take the rap for repeated management failures that the union has been raising for years now."

In response to the strike ballot announcement, Pat Hansberry, operations director at London Underground, called the move “unnecessary”.

He said: “We urge the RMT to meet with us for talks so that we can avoid subjecting Londoners to another pointless strike threat.”

Another union threatens strike action

In a separate dispute, the TSSA union butted heads with LU bosses last week , threatening a strike ballot unless conciliation talks take place.

On Monday, the union announced that talks will begin on Wednesday (February 24) in an effort to stop the strike action.

LU management were forced to the table following an ultimatum from TSSA leader Manuel Cortes telling them to meet union reps within seven days or face industrial action from 140 service controllers on the Tube network.

TSSA leader Manuel Cortes said: "We always welcome a repentant sinner and very much hope that they are now in listening mode. However, until we hear what they have to tell us, we will continue our preparations for industrial action.

"I very much hope that a strike will not become necessary but as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Unless, LU are now genuine about their willingness to resolve this through negotiations, a strike will sadly become inevitable."