Call for fresh Tube strike talks

The union is threatening a total shutdown

Both sides in a dispute that threatens disruption on the Tube on Christmas Eve have been urged to hold fresh talks.

Aslef union members on the Piccadilly Line plan to walk out on Friday and on 5 January in protest over the demotion of a colleague.

Talks aimed at averting the strikes broke down on Tuesday but politicians have called for new negotiations.

The chairman of the London Assembly's transport committee said London should not be held to ransom.

Aslef drivers said they are walking out over the apparent sacking of a driver who passing through four red signals.

Passengers must not suffer because of an internal management issue Transport committee chairman Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone, chairman of London Assembly's transport committee, said: "Whatever the rights and wrongs of the issue, it cannot be right to hold London to ransom over the holiday period.

"Both the unions and the London Underground (LU) must get back around the table and talk until they have resolution.

"Passengers must not suffer because of an internal management issue."

Aslef said they would not return to the table unless management changed their minds.

Total shutdown

Steve Grant, Aslef district organiser, told BBC News: "We completed final talks with Acas on Monday. We are expecting total shutdown on Christmas Eve from midnight to midnight."

However, LU said it was seeking further talks with Aslef and still hopes to avoid strike action.

A spokesman said: "He [the driver] has not been sacked, but downgraded for nine months, after which time he can re-apply to be a driver provided he passes the necessary tests.

"We will continue to seek talks with Aslef to resolve these issues."