Tube strikes on as talks break down

The union is planning a series of strikes starting this Sunday evening (PA)

Talks aimed at averting a series of strikes by London Underground workers in protest at the sacking of a driver broke down today.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union accused Tube bosses of refusing to discuss the reinstatement of the driver, Arwyn Thomas.

He has taken a claim of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal, with the result due by the end of the month.

The union is planning a series of strikes starting this Sunday evening which will hit the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Both sides met at conciliation service Acas for two hours today, but the RMT said the talks had broken down and the strikes were now set to go ahead.