This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/8090376.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Talks break down over Tube strike Talks break down over Tube strike
(40 minutes later)
Millions of commuters and visitors to London face travel chaos after talks aimed at averting a two-day strike by Tube workers broke down.Millions of commuters and visitors to London face travel chaos after talks aimed at averting a two-day strike by Tube workers broke down.
The announcement was made after 10-hour talks failed to produce a breakthrough in the dispute, over jobs and pay.The announcement was made after 10-hour talks failed to produce a breakthrough in the dispute, over jobs and pay.
The walkout, which is expected to affect the entire Tube network, was triggered after a Rail Maritime and Union (RMT) ballot last month.The walkout, which is expected to affect the entire Tube network, was triggered after a Rail Maritime and Union (RMT) ballot last month.
The strike is to begin at 1859 BST on Tuesday and end 48 hours later. The strike is due to begin at 1859 BST on Tuesday and end 48 hours later.
Normal services are expected to resume on Friday morning.Normal services are expected to resume on Friday morning.
The strike will now go ahead and we expect it to be solidly supported RMT general secretary Bob Crow Their (the RMT's) attitude is a slap in the face to all hardworking Londoners and businesses struggling through a deep recession Peter Hendy, TfL
Transport for London (TfL) described the RMT's decision to call for strike action as "outrageous", following London's Underground's offer on Friday.
It offered staff a four-year deal of 1.5% this year and then the inflation rate plus 0.5%; or a two-year deal of 1% now and inflation plus 0.5% in year two.
But the RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.
TfL's transport commissioner Peter Hendy said: "The RMT's leadership has shown yet again that no matter how far an offer is made, they would rather strike than talk.
"Their attitude is a slap in the face to all hard-working Londoners and businesses struggling through a deep recession."
'No agreements'
Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services will operate as normal.Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services will operate as normal.
Transport for London (TfL) has put in a place a series of contingency plans aimed at helping commuters get to work. Transport for London (TfL) has said there will be 100 extra buses, extra river services, taxi-sharing at major railway stations, escorted commuter cycle rides into central London, additional cycle parking and a free river shuttle service to help travellers get around London.
London mayor Boris Johnson said there would be 100 extra buses, extra river services, taxi-sharing at major railway stations, escorted commuter cycle rides into central London, additional cycle parking and a free river shuttle service.
"Pay as you go" Oyster cardholders will be able to use National Rail services in London on Wednesday and Thursday."Pay as you go" Oyster cardholders will be able to use National Rail services in London on Wednesday and Thursday.
TfL staff will also be on hand across the bus network and at Tube stations to offer travel advice and distribute walking maps in central London.TfL staff will also be on hand across the bus network and at Tube stations to offer travel advice and distribute walking maps in central London.
Last week London Underground tabled an improved pay offer during talks and urged the union to call off the strike. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said the union had made every effort during the talks to reach a deal with London Underground.
'No agreement'
It offered staff a four-year deal of 1.5% this year and then the inflation rate plus 0.5%; or a two-year deal of 1% now and inflation plus 0.5% in year two.
But the RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.
General secretary Bob Crow said the union had made every effort during the talks to reach a deal with London Underground.
He said: "Not only could the management side not reach an agreement on the kind of deal needed to end this dispute, they also found it difficult to stick to existing agreements on redundancies.He said: "Not only could the management side not reach an agreement on the kind of deal needed to end this dispute, they also found it difficult to stick to existing agreements on redundancies.
"The strike will now go ahead and we expect it to be solidly supported.""The strike will now go ahead and we expect it to be solidly supported."
The union balloted up to 10,000 of its members, including drivers, station staff and maintenance workers.The union balloted up to 10,000 of its members, including drivers, station staff and maintenance workers.