A TRADE union boss is warning rail passengers to brace themselves for delays as his members decide whether to go on strike.

Transport union Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) balloted members at South Eastern Trains (SET) on Wednesday over taking industrial action following the company’s decision to cut ticket office opening times or close them completely, which could lead to a loss of up to 100 jobs.

Union members are angry that SET recently brought in new office-based ticket machines without consulting staff. They also claim the company only replaced two instead of three existing machines at Woolwich Arsenal and Abbey Wood, which has led to delays for passengers buying their tickets and increased stress for staff.

The union also claims SET has refused to take account of 3,000 objections it received in response to a public consultation on the proposed cuts at ticket offices.

TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty said the proposed cuts would lead to a "worsening service for passengers".

"The last thing our members want to do is to go out on strike, but they are sick of being treated with contempt by South Eastern Trains. The company seems intent on rail-roading through these cost-cutting measures regardless of the genuine concerns raised by staff and passengers alike.

"The reason why SET wants to get rid of 100 station staff and replace them with machines is to enable the new franchisee to maximise profits at the expense of staff and passengers. It doesn’t care what grief it causes in the process.

"There’s no doubt that cuts will result in a worsening of service for passengers as they will have to queue for longer - machines break down or run out of tickets. Who can the travelling public ask for help if there are no staff on the station? They also risk paying over the odds or getting a penalty fare if they can’t buy the ticket they want.

"There’s also the security issue, especially in the wake of the 7/7 attacks on public transport. Passengers feel safer in stations where staff are visible."

The ballot closes on Wednesday, November 9, with the union expecting members to vote in favour of industrial action after a recent informal ballot showed the majority of members were prepared to strike.