TUBE UNION RMT today called on the London Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) to enter unconditional talks hosted by the conciliation service ACAS to avert strike action scheduled for later this week.

The union had been invited to talks with TfL earlier this week after London Underground workers backed rolling strike action by over 90 per cent against a below inflation pay offer.

The union also wants to see full staff travel facilities for all tube workers restored to prevent to the creation of a two-tier workforce.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that Tube workers were not going to accept poor offers and the continual undermining of conditions.

"The refusal of TfL to restore staff travel facilities and create a two-tier workforce is also unacceptable.

"Our members have made it clear that they are prepared to take action and we urge TfL to enter into meaningful conciliatory talks to avert disruption in the capital," he said.

The union will be holding the following strike action this week: 

•             Engineering train drivers will start action on 5/6 January.

•             RMT members in LUL’s network control functions take action 7/8 January.

•             Members in the tubes signalling and service control functions take action 9 and 11 January.

•             All other RMT members, including engineering, Fleet maintenance, stations and train operators will strike on January 8 and 10.