More than 2,300 RMT members today entered the first full day of their 72-hour strike over the threats to jobs, of forced transfers and to pensions following the privateer's collapse.

"As a result of discussions last night with London transport commissioner Peter Hendy, talks will now take place at 2.30 this afternoon," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"That is a positive development and we hope that Metronet and its administrator will now take our members' legitimate concerns seriously.

"Instead of shouting insults and pointing accusing fingers, all those involved should now recognise that those concerns need to be addressed.

"It is five weeks since we gave the company notice that we were balloting over the issues involved, yet there was no sense of urgency until it became clear that our members were determined to win the unequivocal guarantees we are seeking.

"Our members have shown their determination by delivering a rock-solid strike and, pending any positive outcome from today's talks, it will remain on," Bob Crow said.

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RMT union poised for strike talks

BBC News: 4 September 2007


Commuters grin and bear it

Talks to try to end the Tube strike are to be held on Tuesday, said the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.

Millions of commuters faced delays and disruption travelling into work as union members staged a 72-hour walkout over pensions and jobs.

The strike by the RMT union, in a row following the collapse of maintenance firm Metronet, has closed two-thirds of the Tube network and affected 10 lines.

The union said it would meet Tube officials at 1430 BST.

'Positive development'

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "As a result of discussions last night with London Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy, talks will now take place.

"This is a positive development and we hope that Metronet and its administrator will now take our members' legitimate concerns seriously."

Union leaders have warned they could strike again next week

But a Transport for London (TfL) said: "The RMT has been given cast iron guarantees that no staff will lose jobs, pensions or be transferred as a result of Metronet's collapse.

"The other unions have accepted these guarantees. The RMT has ignored them, harming Londoners and their union."

The 10 lines affected by the industrial walk out, which began at 1800 BST on Monday, are the Bakerloo, Central, Victoria, Circle, District, East London, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Waterloo & City and Piccadilly.

Only the Jubilee and Northern lines are operating a full service.

They are maintained by another firm along with the Piccadilly line, which is partly suspended due to the strike.