Workers on the Docklands Light Railway are to be balloted for strikes in two separate disputes over pay and conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch campaigns of action, with results due on May 12.

The disputes involve this year's pay deal for directly employed staff and a separate row over wages for employees at facilities company Interserve.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "The union has had no option but to move to a ballot of both the directly employed DLR staff and those hired in through Interserve in these two separate disputes.

"The union will not sit back while core issues on pay and working conditions are left unresolved.

"Our reps are in no doubt that we need to send a clear message to management that staff are prepared to fight to demand decent rewards and recognition, a safe working environment, decent working conditions and will not be forced into accepting inferior pay arrangements.

"The union remains available for talks in both disputes."