Talks to avert strikes on London's Tube network have broken down as unions say Tube bosses have gone back on promises to avoid using agency staff in stations.
Negotiations representing more than 7,500 union staff and drivers broke down as London Underground (LU) went back on a pledge to ensure that all staff are directly employed, according to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
The unions are in dispute with LU over a range of issues, including ticket-office closures, lone working and de-staffing, which the RMT considers an "attack on safety standards".
Transport for London (TfL) says use of agency staff was a temporary measure and has previously dismissed strike threats as "unreasonable".
By Ozge Ibrahim
