Unions plan to hit Tube commuters with seven strikes

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The move to strike signals a major breakdown in industrial relations between the RMT, largest of the Tube unions, and London Underground management.

RMT has lodged four disputes with LU and three with companies who carry out work on the network used by 3.3 million passengers a day. More than 2,000 staff have either taken or are taking part in strikes or strike ballots.

Mayor Boris Johnson wants a nostrike deal for the Tube to prevent the regular threats of industrial action. A senior mayoral source said: "Furth-er threats of strikes just go to prove why we need a no-strike deal."

Mr Johnson, in his election manifesto, said that in return for agreeing not to strike, pay negotiations would be run by an independent arbiter whose decision would be binding on both parties. The main unions, the RMT, TSSA and Aslef, say they will never agree to such a deal.

LU's employment director, Gerry Duffy, has written to the unions asking for talks but they remain adamant against any no-strike move.

Bob Crow, the RMT leader, said of the latest disputes: "There has been a spate of unfair sackings and a sharp increase in complaints our reps are receiving about bullying and harassment.

"It seems that local managements have slipped off the leash and a blind eye is being turned to their excesses."

The current issues involve 1,000 staff in dispute over pay on the Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines; 700 cleaners who have already been on strike and are threatening more; 130 employees of the company which puts up posters on the Tube who are striking over pay; 70 station staff on the Metropolitan line taking action over forced transfers; 100 workers in the Charing Cross area walking out over an alleged unfair sacking, another 85 at Waterloo balloting on a similar issue and 90 employees in East Ham voting over a claimed breakdown in industrial relations.