Tube strike set to go ahead after failed talks

London Underground drivers are set to strike over a dispute involving the voluntary introduction of a four-day week with condensed hours. The RMT voted to oppose the changes and says Transport for London has not engaged in negotiation meetings to resolve the dispute. TfL describes the planned strikes as disappointing and says drivers can remain on a five-day working pattern. No service is expected on the Circle and Piccadilly lines or the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. A second 24-hour walkout is scheduled to begin on Thursday, extending disruption into Friday. Aslef has agreed to the voluntary compressed four-day week, citing additional days off in return for minor changes to working conditions.

"Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) voted to oppose the changes. The union says Transport for London "has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve this dispute". TfL described the strikes, which start at 12:00 BST on Tuesday, as "disappointing" and said drivers "can remain on a five-day working pattern". No service is expected on the Circle and Piccadilly lines or the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street."

"An RMT spokesperson said: "Despite promises of talks, TfL has not made any attempt to engage in negotiation meetings to resolve this dispute. "London Underground is still pushing implementation plans through a forum that excludes senior managers and union officials, instead of engaging in proper negotiations. "Our strike action remains on as we continue to seek a negotiated settlement.""

"Aslef has agreed to the voluntary compressed four-day week, saying it gives participating drivers an extra 35 days off a year "in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions". "It will be the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off," an Aslef spokesperson said."

"Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said:"It isdisappointingthat the RMT is planning this strike actiondespite our best efforts to resolve this dispute. "We have been clear that our proposals for a four-day week are designed to improve work-life balance and are entirely voluntary. "Any Tub"

Read at www.bbc.com