RAIL workers at York-based Jarvis Rail have voted to strike in protest over job security, it was reported today.

Nearly 3,000 rail maintenance staff, who last week transferred to maintenance operator Network Rail, are set to walk out after a ballot ruled in favour of industrial action.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said Jarvis had failed to provide an assurance that there would be no compulsory redundancies during the transfer.

Union chiefs will meet on Tuesday to decide what action to take. Jarvis was responsible for maintaining the East Coast Main Line, which runs high-speed services from London through York to Scotland. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said his members were concerned about their future in the light of the rail industry's bid to modernise. Network Rail chiefs have already given the assurance that worker rights are guaranteed for at least 90 days under existing transfer arrangements.

Updated: 10:14 Friday, April 09, 2004