Londoners could face further disruption if RMT members vote for strike action over pay.

The RMT has announced plans to ballot its London Underground (LU) members on possible strike action over the continuing dispute surrounding pay.

The LU has tabled a two-year offer to all unions – TSSA (Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association) and RMT (Rail and Maritime Transport) – which would see staff’s pay increase by 1.5% this year, and RPI+ 0.5% next year.

In June, RMT members held a 48-hour strike, which caused disruption across London, but a second strike was averted as discussions continued. A strike was then planned for last week (5 October) in a row over workloads and rosters but was called off after a settlement was negotiated.

This latest ballot is solely on the issue of pay, with the RMT saying that the latest offer is unacceptable.

However, the RMT’s General Secretary, Bob Crow, said the union was prepared to discuss the issue further and negotiate, but commented: “RMT representatives have worked long and hard to reach agreement on the issues of jobs and breaches of agreements but we have not been able to secure an acceptable offer on pay.

“We are looking for a pay offer that matches up to deals elsewhere in our industry and which reflects the real costs of living and working in an expensive city like London.”

The LU said that members of the TSSA union have already voted to accept its offer, with 85% voting in favour of the offer.

Richard Parry, Managing Director of LU, said: “I welcome TSSA members’ acceptance of our very fair pay offer, and their leadership’s willingness to put the offer to those members.”

But continued: “It is extremely disappointing that the RMT is now threatening unnecessary and damaging strike action. I urge all of our unions to put this offer to their members with a recommendation to accept.”

Parry said that Londoners may start to lose their patience if RMT go ahead with further strike action, especially given the current economic climate, where thousands are having their pay frozen or lost their job altogether. He said: “Another strike will achieve nothing except lose staff more pay and cause unnecessary frustration and disruption to Londoners.”