TUBE UNION RMT said today that it is moving into a ballot for strike action involving London Underground staff after crucial talks collapsed today with management refusing to offer any significant improvement to the pay and conditions of the workforce across the network.

Ballot preparations for 10,000 staff across all grades are now well advanced with the union saying it is angry and frustrated that a golden opportunity to come up with a positive offer has been blown by tube bosses today.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

"The failure of tube bosses to come up with proposals that meet the union call for serious improvements in both pay and working conditions has been the catalyst for the collapse of the talks today. That failure by the management side means we have no option but to accelerate the balloting process and escalate the dispute.

"RMT is angry and frustrated that the company have opted to ignore the massive contribution tube staff make to this city, delivering services, including the night tube, often in difficult operational conditions.

"RMT remains available for further talks but no one should underestimate our determination to secure a pay and conditions deal that reflects the huge contribution of all London Underground staff."