UNION bosses today threatened to withdraw their constituency backing for York MP Hugh Bayley.

Leaders at the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) revealed they were considering taking the step because Mr Bayley has not yet backed four key policy pledges.

But Mr Bayley has defiantly insisted that he will not allow the needs of his constituents to be dictated by the RMT.

Mr Bayley does not personally receive any RMT cash, but the constituency is given a donation.

However, in return for that donation, the RMT expects MPs to loosely support the union's key aims.

Several weeks ago, the RMT sent a letter to all Labour MPs, asking them to back four pledges, which included re-nationalisation of the railways and repeal of anti-trade union laws.

The RMT today revealed that Mr Bayley has yet to back all four pledges. He, along with other MPs still to sign, is to address the issue in a private meeting with union chiefs - at a date to be confirmed.

But an RMT spokesman has confirmed that constituency backing for York is now in real doubt.

"He (Mr Bayley) appears not to be supporting these four principles. He has not responded in the way that 14 other members have," he said.

"MPs who have not yet responded have sought a meeting with the union's sub-committee, which will make recommendations.

"There is no question of immediately withdrawing support but it would be fair to say that his (Mr Bayley's) constituency backing is in doubt."

Mr Bayley replied: "All the MPs the union wrote to responded jointly with a single letter.

"If the union doesn't like the response, it is free to do whatever it wants with its money.

"But it must not tell MPs how to vote. If it tried to do so it would be in contempt of the House.

"I have always worked closely with rail workers in York, of all unions, and will continue to do so irrespective of the RMT's decision. My constituents come first and the RMT's money is entirely irrelevant."

Updated: 15:28 Wednesday, April 10, 2002