RAIL workers at National Express East Anglia are to be balloted for industrial action in a row over pay and working conditions, it has been announced.

RAIL workers at National Express East Anglia are to be balloted for industrial action in a row over pay and working conditions, it has been announced.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said its members at the franchise, which includes the Ipswich to London service, will be asked whether they want to launch a campaign of strikes after accusing the company of failing to make any significant offer on pay.

The union also called on the government to take urgent action over the “crisis” in rail franchising following the decision to renationalise National Express's East Coast business.

General secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT is in no doubt that the failure to make any kind of meaningful pay offer to staff on National Express East Anglia is all about the company trying to milk the franchises that they have left and to make their staff pay for a crisis which was cooked up in the boardroom by senior managers who have now jumped ship.”

A National Express East Anglia spokesman said: “We are disappointed that the union is balloting its members and we are still in discussions with them to find an amicable agreement to this year's pay award.

“Strike action is not the solution. It would only result in a difficult time for staff and passengers and we will continue to be available for constructive discussion with the union.”