Strike negotiations loom for LU as union chiefs plan walkout dates

Strikes could start on 6th September as Parliament returns from summer break

London Underground (LU) is preparing for strike negotiations with its staff as union chiefs are set to decide the dates for potential walkouts.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association and Rail Maritime and Transport union have both voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over job cuts.

Executives from both unions will meet today to discuss the timetable for the strikes, with a start date set to be September 6th as MPs return from the summer break.

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, claimed the proposed job losses will result in around 7,500 fewer hours being worked in ticket offices every week.

She said: "If staff numbers are severely reduced it will become far more difficult for staff to help disabled and vulnerable customers and other people who need assistance, including visitors."

Howard Collins, LU's chief operating officer, claimed all stations will continue to be staffed at all times and those with a ticket office will continue to have one.