TRAINS servicing the region could be affected by strikes after London Midland’s conductors announced they will take a vote over industrial action.

Rail union RMT confirmed today that it will be balloting its 523 RMT conductor members for strike action over the proposed imposition of security contractors on trains.

The union, who say the company's move was made without agreement, opened the ballot on January 19 and will close it on February 2.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash added: "London Midland’s attempts to place external security contractor’s on board trains with an already safety critically trained guard without agreement with RMT is totally unacceptable.

"Over a two-year period RMT negotiators offered various counter proposals to the company which were dismissed out of hand every time or regretfully ignored.

"The imposition of external contractors who have no additional skills or powers of authority to remove unruly passengers or fare dodgers is something we are totally opposed to.

"Our members are fearful that even minor issues will escalate out of control particularly when these security contractors don’t have the appropriate training, skills or knowledge for working within a focused customer service environment like our members do.”

"We have been left with no option but to ballot for industrial action to ensure that management finally sit up and take notice of our members’ concerns.

"The union remains available for meaningful and constructive talks."

In a statement on their website, RMT said London Midland "have failed to respond to our questions, proposals and suggestions that would have averted the need for a potential breakdown in industrial relations".