Talks to try and solve this week's Tube strike are due to take place this afternoon, but union chiefs have said the strike will continue unless there is a positive outcome'.

RMT, one of the three unions involved in the 72-hour strike which began at 6pm yesterday, says it welcomes the talks between the unions, Transport for London and the administrator for failed Tube maintenance company Metronet.

More than 2,300 RMT members are taking part in the strike in response to fears over jobs and pensions following Metronet's collapse.

Bob Crow, the RMT's general secretary, said: "As a result of discussions last night with London transport commissioner Peter Hendy, talks will now take place at 2.30 this afternoon.

"That is a positive development and we hope that Metronet and its administrator will now take our members' legitimate concerns seriously.

"Instead of shouting insults and pointing accusing fingers, all those involved should now recognise that those concerns need to be addressed.

"It is five weeks since we gave the company notice that we were balloting over the issues involved, yet there was no sense of urgency until it became clear that our members were determined to win the unequivocal guarantees we are seeking.

"Our members have shown their determination by delivering a rock-solid strike and, pending any positive outcome from today's talks, it will remain on."

Yesterday angry commuters were forced to find alternative routes after the strike closed two-thirds of the Tube network and affected 10 lines.

Conor Hamilton of Southfields, who commutes daily to Gunnersbury, said: "I tried to get a bus, but three went by and they were all jam-packed, so I'll try the train. I'm already late now. Why can't they strike on a weekend?"

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