Strikes may shut Tube in run-up to Christmas

Tube union bosses today ordered a new strike ballot and threatened major disruption in the run-up to Christmas.

Walkouts by train drivers and station staff could begin next month in a row over pay. The RMT union has thrown out as "miserly" a two-year deal of 1.5 per cent this year and RPI plus 0.5 per cent in the second year.

Richard Parry, London Underground's managing director, insists the deal "remains our final offer".

Aslef, which represents the majority of Tube train drivers, is meeting next Monday and could ballot its members for strike action. If the two unions strike together it would shut the entire Tube. The RMT will announce a date for its ballot after Aslef's meeting.