Tube strike 2016: Time running out to avoid weekend walkout

The RMT union has confirmed plans to stage a 48-hour walkout on Saturday over an ongoing row over jobs.

Crucial talks were held yesterday after RMT voted for action over the closure of ticket offices and changes to work rosters under the "Fit for the Future" scheme.

Members of the union will walk out at 8.59pm on Saturday, 6 February. The action is likely to affect commuters attempting to get to and from work on Monday.

However, talks are expected later in the week between RMT and Transport for London which may avert the walkout.

Union general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT will be attending the talks but with the clock ticking we are making it crystal clear that if there's any dragging of heels we will be calling for an immediate reference to Acas.

"With surging Tube demand, and against a background of chronic overcrowding, the union cannot and will not sit back while safety-critical jobs, that are the eye and ears of the service, are ripped away from our stations."

Steve Griffiths, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “Ticket offices that customers were using in ever dwindling numbers have already closed with more staff than ever now moved into ticket halls, gate lines and platforms where they can help customers more effectively.

"As a result, we are seeing big increases in customer satisfaction, particularly in the helpfulness of staff.

“The only thing a strike will do is badly hit hardworking Londoners and lose staff two days’ pay and a £500 bonus.

"We have delivered every commitment we made to our staff – there have been no compulsory redundancies, work life balance has been protected and there’s a job for anyone with no loss of pay.

"Around 900 station staff will be promoted or move from fixed-term contracts to permanent roles. There is clearly absolutely no basis whatsoever for this strike threat.”