Train conductors say they will hold a strike ballot next month unless their bosses offer them more protection from violent passengers.
The conductors, who work on Connex's Coastway West service, want the rail company to introduce extra security measures immediately.
During a two-and-a-half hour meeting in London yesterday the conductors said they wanted immediate improved security - otherwise action for a ballot would start on March 6.
The strike ballot by the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers' union could then be taken 28 days later. It would mean staff refusing to work on Connex trains after 9pm.
One conductor, who declined to be identified, said: "It's very uninspiring. It's just rhetoric and we want to see some action."
He added: "Some of the lads are ready to walk out and if there's another assault they will walk."
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