Tube union RMT today accused London Underground bosses of stringing staff along and playing fast and loose after an eighth day of pay talks yesterday failed to lever any king of meaningful offer out of the management side.

The union says it is both angry and frustrated at what it sees as blatant delaying tactics and is now stepping up preparations for a strike ballot across the tube network.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“Our negotiators are angry and frustrated at what they see as blatant delaying tactics by London Underground throughout eight rounds of pay talks. RMT is not in the business of being strung along by anyone and the company should wake up, recognise how angry staff are becoming at this cavalier attitude from their top brass and come up with an offer that meets our expectations.

“Meanwhile, preparations for a combine-wide ballot of our 10,000 members are well under way and we will have no hesitation in doing whatever is required to force the pace.”