Tube drivers vote to strike

Drivers on parts of London Underground are to strike on Christmas Eve and January 5, threatening travel chaos over the festive period, it was announced today.

Workers on the Piccadilly Line will walk out after voting by almost nine to one in favour of industrial action in protest at the demotion of a driver for passing signals at red.

The line serves Heathrow Airport and wil be busy on Christmas Eve with people jetting away on holiday.

Aslef accused LU of unfair treatment of the driver and complained that an appeal hearing took place without any union representation.

Drivers based at the Arnos Grove depot voted by 77 to 15 in favour of strikes.

In a separate row, drivers on the District Line will work to rule from Christmas Eve in a dispute over working conditions.

Drivers based at Acton Town voted by nine to one to take action in protest at “appalling facilities” at the busy Earls Court depot.