Long-suffering Essex-based London commuters faced the prospect of even more disruption today (Thursday) after tube unions threatened to strike - over tea!.

The action has been threatened because bosses have not provided enough toilets and tea-making facilities for workers.

Bob Crow, assistant general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, branded the facilities at outlying booking-on stations, where drivers start work, as "prehistoric."

London Underground admits that some women's toilets are inadequate.

The RMT has warned it will ballot members in mid-September and industrial action will take place at the end of the month if the matter is not resolved.

The row centres on the standard of facilities at the remote stations where drivers clock on and off. The unions say they need a boiler and for sanitary and work facilities to be improved. London Underground say a boiler would waste energy and have offered kettles and free tea bags and coffee.

LU said it was impossible to meet the September 1 deadline set for a series of improvements.

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