Tuesday's threatened tube strike remains on after talks between union bosses and London Underground failed to mend the rift.
Representatives from LU met with trade unions RMT and TSSA at ACAS today (Monday) to discuss proposals for the future of the Tube and to avert strike action. They offered a ‘cooling off’ period – during which proposals to close all ticket offices would halt and also to extend consultation with staff until March 5.
The olive branch was refused however and commuters are now having to face the possibility of badly disrupted journeys for 48 hours until Thursday.
London Underground’s Chief Operating Officer, Phil Hufton said: "The leaderships of the RMT and TSSA continue to threaten strikes. This is despite our commitment that all Tube stations will remain staffed and controlled at all times when services are operating.
“In future, there will be more staff in ticket halls and on platforms to help customers buy the right ticket, plan their journeys and to keep them safe and secure. We’re committed to implement these changes without compulsory redundancies and that there’ll be a job for everyone at LU who wants to work for us and be flexible.
"It’s not too late for the RMT and TSSA to call off their unnecessary strikes and work with us to shape the future of the Tube. We remain ready to continue talks at any time. Should the strikes go ahead, we will do all we can to keep London moving and open for business.”
