Signal workers in Scotland are to stage a three-day strike from Christmas Eve in a row over career progression.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union said its members based at the West of Scotland signalling centre will walk out for 72 hours from 5.59am on 24 December until 5.58am on 27 December.

The union claimed Network Rail managers had "ripped up" longstanding arrangements under which staff were slotted into a post when it becomes vacant.

The RMT general secretary, Bob Crow, said: "RMT has tried to reach a negotiated settlement to this unilateral ripping up of a local arrangement but unfortunately the management have refused to see sense and RMT members will not stand by while management tear up agreements and practices that have been in place at local level for decades.

"As a consequence of management's intransigence, we have no option but to go ahead with this strike action. RMT members are furious at this refusal to comply with a local arrangement that offers genuine career progression opportunities.

"RMT remains available for talks at any time aimed at resolving this dispute."

The news follows an announcement by the train drivers' union Aslef on Wednesday of a series of strikes on London Underground in a row over bank holiday pay.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Network Rail does not consider that any agreements have been breached. We hope that through meaningful dialogue with the RMT a strike can be averted, but we can still run a full service should it take place."