Talks aim to avert Tube strikes

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Talks aimed at resolving a dispute which led to a 48-hour Tube strike are due to take place.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out last week in a dispute over job losses, pay and disciplinary issues.

The strike disrupted most of the Tube network. Union leaders will meet London Underground in talks chaired by conciliation service Acas.

The RMT has not ruled out staging more strikes if the dispute is not resolved.

'Playing politics'

The union is seeking a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.

Last week RMT leader Bob Crow accused London mayor Boris Johnson of "playing politics" with the Tube by deliberately intervening to scupper a last-minute deal.

Mr Johnson said the allegation was "completely untrue".

The London Chamber of Commerce estimated that the capital's economy would lose more than £100m as a result of last week's strike.