Moves to stop eight days of Tube strikes

Efforts were under way today to bring about talks in a bid to prevent a 72-hour walkout which would cripple the Tube next week.

About 1,000 maintenance workers will stage two 72-hour strikes in a row over pay and conditions.

They would walk out between noon on Wednesday 20 August and noon on Saturday 23 August, then from noon on Wednesday 3 September to noon on Saturday 6 September.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said members working for maintenance firm Tube Lines voted to strike by a margin of three to one to try to get better pay and access to a final salary pension.

"Tube Lines has made enormous profits from our members' hard work, yet seems to expect them to accept an inferior deal," he said in a statement.

Transport for London, said: "We hope Tube Lines and the RMT can work together to avoid strike action."