Will deal be reached to avoid more Tube strikes? RMT and London Underground officials to sit down for talks today
By Michael Howie
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Talks will be held on Wednesday in a bid to resolve a dispute which led to a strike on London Underground (LU) last week.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) walked out, bringing most Tube services to a standstill for much of the week.
Millions of commuters, tourists and other visitors to the capital suffered travel chaos, with many turning to bikes, buses or taxis to travel.
RMT leaders will meet with LU officials on Wednesday, raising hopes of a deal.
The dispute is now over working hours after the union signalled acceptance of a 3.4% pay offer.
The RMT is seeking a cut in the working week from 35 to 32 hours after warning that its members are suffering from fatigue because of shift patterns and reductions in staff numbers.
General secretary Eddie Dempsey has said the union is prepared to negotiate a timescale for a cut in hours rather than achieve it immediately.
He said last week that industrial relations on the Underground had “totally collapsed”.
LU has responded that cutting hours is unaffordable and has denied there are fewer staff on the Underground.
One estimate said last week’s strikes cost the economy £230 million, while the hospitality sector was badly affected, with bars and restaurants having to close early because of a lack of customers.
