LONDON (Reuters) - Workers from the RMT union have backed strike action in a dispute with Network Rail over its plans to cut 1,500 maintenance jobs.
Announcing the outcome of a ballot on Thursday, the RMT urged Network Rail management to re-open talks.
"Nobody should be under any illusions about just how determined RMT members are to win this dispute and to stop this reckless gamble with rail safety," RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said in a statement.
The RMT also said it was alarmed at separate plans announced on Thursday by London Underground to cut up to 800 jobs.
The RMT did not set a date for a strike in the Network Rail dispute but its leadership plans to meet on March 19 to consider its next step.
Network Rail, the government-backed owner and operator of Britain's rail infrastructure, said a reform of working practices was long overdue.
"Work practices that date back to the steam age should no longer have a place on a modern railway. We all have a duty to get best value for the British people whilst running a safe, reliable and efficient rail network," it said in a statement.
Network Rail said it needs fewer staff and changes to working practices because maintenance workers can only access busy lines overnight and at weekends.
In the RMT ballot, 77 percent of workers voted for strike action and 89 percent backed action short of a strike. Turnout was 65 percent.
London Underground said it was planning to cut staff because fewer than one in 20 passengers were now beginning their journey with a ticket office purchase.
LU proposes cutting 100 manager posts, 450 in ticket offices positions and between 150-200 other station posts.
"If these cuts to jobs are bulldozed through...it will turn London's tube stations into a muggers' paradise," the RMT said.
(Editing by Tim Castle)
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