RMT HAS announced a strike ballot at a major rail haulage company over a jobs and conditions row.

The rail union said that Heavy Haul Rail Ltd is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies and is pressing ahead with sweeping restructuring plans.

It alleges members are being asked to take on extra duties and flexibility without any guarantee of additional pay and are being asked to relocate hundreds of miles away.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Heavy Haul Rail is trying to force through job cuts, merged grades and extra duties while refusing to guarantee no compulsory redundancies.

“Our members keep this operation running, and they will not accept attacks on their jobs, pay and conditions.

“The company’s proposals are unworkable, damaging to the business and completely unacceptable.”

RMT members will be urged to send a “clear message” that they will not accept these proposals, he added.

The company was contacted for comment.