Dispute continues over Tube talks

The RMT said strikes were called off after the intervention of Acas

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union says it will reconsider taking industrial action on the Tube if managers refuse to meet at Acas.

Drivers on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines were due to walkout on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve over the sacking of a colleague.

On Tuesday the RMT called off the action after the conciliation service Acas intervened.

But London Underground (LU) is saying it wants to talk directly to the union.

We will have to reconsider our position in the New Year if London Underground continue to refuse to go to Acas Bobby Law, RMT

A spokeswoman told BBC News Online: "We are willing to talk directly to the RMT at any time.

"We are meeting with them early in the New Year."

The dispute is over a man who was dismissed after he was seen leaving a squash court while on sick leave, but he claims he was exercising to aid his return to work.

The RMT's London regional organiser Bobby Law told BBC London the possibility of strikes is now back on the agenda.

He said: "We will have to reconsider our position in the New Year if London Underground continue to refuse to go to Acas.

"What we are now saying is what have LU got to hide.

"Is it that their case is weak and our case is strong? That is the reason we believe they won't go to Acas and obviously have independent mediation with this case."