SHOPPERS hoping to use the Northern Line could face disruption on one of the busiest days of the year after a union called on its members in a Morden depot to strike.

The RMT has “instructed” all its members at the depot not to report for work between 9pm next Friday, December 17 and 9pm on Saturday, December 18.

Action has been called by the union in support of one member who they claim has been victimised by London Underground (LU) for his union activities during recent strikes.

General secretary Bon Crowe said: “ By announcing these dates for action we are sending out a signal that LU will not be allowed to get away with picking off our activists.

“Instead of harassing our members and activists on trumped up charges the London Underground management should be directing their energies into reaching a settlement to the on-going disputes over tube safety and safe staffing levels.”

However, LU has described the action as “utterly outrageous”, saying the driver is accused of threatening behaviour towards colleagues breaking the strike.

They claim the turnout in the ballot for action was low and most of those who voted did not support strikes.

Howard Collins, LU's chief operating officer, said: "The RMT leadership has utterly failed in its attempt to gain support from staff on the Northern line for a driver being dealt with over allegations of totally unacceptable and abusive behaviour towards colleagues.

“Only 19 per cent of those balloted voted for strike action. The facts speak for themselves.

“Yet again, the RMT leadership shows utter contempt for Londoners and the integrity of their own strike ballot process.

“They should end these pointless strike threats and get on with working with us to deliver an upgraded Tube system for London.”