Crunch talks due over 48-hour Tube strike

LONDON Underground is in last minute talks with union leaders today to try to avoid a 48-hour tube strike which will cause chaos for millions of passengers. Members of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union plan to walk out from 18.59 on Tuesday in a di

LONDON Underground is in last minute talks with union leaders today to try to avoid a 48-hour tube strike which will cause chaos for millions of passengers.

Members of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union plan to walk out from 18.59 on Tuesday in a dispute over pay and proposed job cuts.

On Friday London Underground offered a four-year pay deal of 1.5 per cent this year and then the inflation rate plus 0.5 per cent in future years, which it says is very fair in these tough economic times.

It also said there will be no reduction in working hours or any other changes in terms and conditions.

The RMT has accused London Underground of refusing to abide by an agreement which ensured job security and ruled out compulsory redundancies which would put 3,000 jobs at risk.