London Underground workers will go on strike next month in a row over pay and the introduction of the night tube.

Members of the ASLEF union, which represents around 80 per cent of all Tube drivers, will go on a 24hour strike from 9.30pm on July 8.

A ballot saw 98 per cent of members vote for strike action, on a turnout of 81 per cent.

The union says the dispute is over Transport for London’s plans to force through night shifts for no extra pay, and is the first it will take over pay and conditions since 2002.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s district organiser, said: “There is a window of opportunity for London Underground managers to avoid a summer of disruption by seriously engaging with us to find a solution. They need to withdraw the threat to impose new rosters and make a realistic offer on pay and conditions.

‘We are always prepared to talk, but they have to start listening to this very clear message from their staff.

“Our members are entitled to a family life and to some sort of work/life balance. We aren’t opposed to all night services but we want them introduced in a fair and sensible way which rewards staff for their hard work and the contribution they make to the success of the London Underground.”

The other three trade unions on London Underground – the RMT, TSSA and Unite – are currently balloting for strike action, with results due on June 30.

Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “We have been in discussions with the unions since February, and are still in the midst of negotiations.

“We recognise the hard and valuable work of our staff and want to give them a pay rise this year and next. We also want to minimise the impact of the night tube on our people, and compensate those it will affect most. But pay levels for our staff are already fair, and any increase must be sustainable.

“Londoners and businesses overwhelmingly back the night tube, and trying to block something that will transform our city, and create more jobs, is short sighted. We encourage ASLEF to make themselves available to continue our talks at ACAS.”