Workers on the London Underground have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over a dispute about rosters and contractors.

According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, London Underground maintenance workers have voted in favour of strike action over a dispute about rosters.

More than 750 members were balloted over the work conditions and the imposition of new rosters, breaches of agreements and the handing over of work to external contractors, which affects employees on maintenance and signalling contracts.

RMT is accusing London Underground management of using “bully-boy” tactics when handling its employees. Over 90% of those balloted voted for strike action and action short of a strike.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said: “This overwhelming vote for action has shown LU management that if they think that they can ride roughshod over our terms and conditions then they need to think again.

“It’s their bully-boy management style which has forced us into this dispute and our members have sent out the clearest possible message that they are not prepared to be beaten into submission.”

In response to the announcement of pending strike action, Phil Hufton, London Underground’s Chief Maintenance Officer, said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that the RMT’s leadership is prepared to jeopardise the journeys of thousands of Londoners over this issue.

“We have consulted fully with staff and unions on the proposed changes and we are prepared to continue discussions with the RMT. They should stop threatening industrial action at every opportunity, when all that will do is lose their members more pay.”

Details of when the strike will take place have yet to be decided.