New talks held to avert Tube strikes

Last updated at 12:37 05 July 2004


Fresh talks aimed at averting further strikes on the London Underground are to be held later this week, it has emerged today.

Leaders of the Rail Maritime and Transport union will meet LU managers on Thursday in a bid to break a deadlocked dispute over pay and hours.

A strike by thousands of drivers, signallers and maintenance workers caused travel chaos in the capital last week and the union has warned of further walkouts.

London regional officer Bobby Law today repeated the union's demand that Mayor Ken Livingstone should become personally involved in the negotiations.

LU said its offer of a 3.5% pay rise this year, inflation plus 0.5% next year and a 35 hour week for all staff by 2006 would be discussed at Thursday's meeting between the company and all its trade unions.

"We remain ready to discuss the very good deal that is on offer. We would urge the RMT to let its members consider this deal, which is as good if not better than anything accepted by the union in the railway industry this year," said a spokesman.

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