RAIL and union bosses are on a collision course over plans to cut the number of signallers that could cause chaos for Essex commuters.

A new automated signalling centre is due to open in Romford by 2014.

It will cover the whole of East Anglia and make many of the 500 jobs on the London Fenchurch Street to Southend and London Liverpool Street to Colchester lines redundant.

The idea is to automate all signal boxes by using new technology.

A Network Rail spokesman said about 150 jobs have gone in the last decade and another 60 are expected to go by this time next year, as Network Rail looks to accelerate the process of updating its “Victorian” systems.

Network Rail hopes many of the jobs will go through natural wastage, rather than redundancy.

Rail union RMT is using the debate to renegotiate terms and conditions for its members and said it will refuse to accept any compulsory redundancies.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the result could be strikes.

Bob Crowe, RMT general secretary, said: “There have been discussions over future signalling arrangements on the rail network. Those discussions are at an early stage.

“RMT wants to make it absolutely clear we will not agree to anything that compromises the job security, safety or standards of living of our members.

“We are not opposed to new technology, but we are clear that any changes which may arise should be accommodated through a shorter working week, additional annual leave and the right to retire at 55 on full pension entitlement.”

Network Rail plans to reduce the number of signallers across the country from 6,000 to 2,000 over the next 30 years.

A spokesman said: “Network Rail is in the early stages of a proposal that could accelerate its signalling modernisation programme, delivering significant benefits in terms of more punctual services, more flexible services, better passenger information, and savings approaching £250million per year.

“It’s a long-term strategy, phased over 15 to 30 years and we have started to discuss its implications with both the trade unions and our people.”