Tube shutdowns loom after pay vote

London faces the threat of a series of total shutdowns of the Tube network next month after train drivers' leaders ordered a fresh vote on industrial action.

In a ballot result announced yesterday, the 1,400 members of the train drivers' union Aslef overwhelmingly rejected a 3 per cent pay and conditions offer. The Aslef executive, which recommended the package, ordered a new vote on 24-hour strikes. However, union officials and London Underground are to meet today for "further exploratory talks".