More talks to avert Tube strikes

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Talks aimed at averting fresh strikes on London Underground are to resume on Wednesday between union leaders and Tube managers.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union staged a 48-hour walkout earlier this month in a row over jobs, pay and disciplinary issues.

The union is calling for a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.

Transport for London said it hoped to avoid compulsory lay-offs but warned some jobs would have to be cut.

It said this was as a result of the collapse of maintenance giant Metronet.

A spokesman said: "We had constructive talks with the RMT in a preliminary meeting with the union at Acas on Friday and we look forward to continued discussion today.

"On pay, we have made an above-inflation offer which provides stability during tough economic times.

"On jobs, where we need to reduce the duplication in back-office jobs caused by the collapse of Metronet, we have given assurances that we will do everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies."

He said staff working on train, stations and in maintenance are not part of this process.