A DISPUTE between railway workers and train chiefs in Essex could soon spread across the region as more than 800 union members are balloted for industrial action over the sacking of a guard.

A DISPUTE between railway workers and train chiefs in Essex could soon spread across the region as more than 800 union members are balloted for industrial action over the “unfair” sacking of a guard.

Strikes by more than 100 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are already set to take place today and on Monday in support of their colleague, but the new ballots could see more action take place across Suffolk and Norfolk.

The strikes, will see picket lines at stations in Colchester and Clacton, but a spokesman for train company 'one' reassured passengers that fully trained replacements would be on hand to ensure a timetable of trains without disruption.