Talks Today To Avert Tube Strike

Union chiefs and Tube bosses will break bourbon biscuits with each other today as they try to thrash out a deal to avert further strikes in November. The meeting, at the Acas HQ in Euston, comes at a time when both sides have plenty to discuss: recent District line problems were seized on by RMT boss Bob Crow as an example of a "fast and loose" attitude to safety, while TfL probably could have chosen a better time to announce large job cuts. Should the talks prove inconclusive, further strikes will be held on November 2nd and 28th, with the unions promising they will also walk out in the run-up to Christmas. Online retailers will be delighted.