SOUTH West Trains bosses have urged staff not to throw thousands of families' Christmas plans into chaos by going on strike.

The Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers Union (RMT) is balloting its 500 plus SWT members on two issues the disciplinary procedures affecting two representatives named on the ballot paper and the rejection of a four per cent pay rise.

Senior managers of the regional train giants have confirmed that both members of staff, who are still employed by the company, are having their cases heard at employment tribunals. The charges against both are safety related.

Ballot papers are due to be returned by Monday, with Christmas Eve earmarked as the first possible day of strike action.

Andrew Haines, managing director of SWT, said: "It is unfair to cause Christmas chaos on our network - our passengers have already suffered enough with strikes.

"We want to break the constant cycle of ballot, strike, ballot, strike, and we urge the union to come to the arbitration table to thrash these issues out.

"The hypocrisy displayed by the RMT is breathtaking. They claim to be campaigning for a safer railway but seem content on double standards - one for their representatives and another for everyone else.

"The proper disciplinary procedures have been followed and in each case the sanctions received are entirely consistent with those received by individuals who are not RMT representatives.

"We have offered to demonstrate this, in confidence, to the RMT but they insist on taking the issue to the ballot box."

The two other unions representing train drivers, guards, and carriage crew - the Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA) and the Amalgamated Electrical Engineers' Union (AEEU) have accepted a four per cent pay deal pending independent arbitration.

SWT bosses have refused to comment on contingency plans for the rail operators festive services should strike action go ahead.