Tube bosses and union officials are in last minute talks to try an divert a series of crippling strikes.

Millions of commuters across London would be stranded if the 48 hour walkout goes ahead as planned at 18.59 tomorrow.

Unite and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are locked with Transport for London in a bitter dispute over pay and proposed job cuts.

LU improved pay offer

On Friday LU offered staff "very fair" four-year pay deal or a two-year deal which promised an "above inflation pay rise", according to interim managing director Richard Parry.

LU made an improved offer of a four-year deal of 1.5% this year and then the inflation rate plus 0.5%; or a two-year deal of 1% now and inflation plus 0.5% in year two.

The RMT is demanding a 5% pay hike and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.

"No reason to strike" - "not enough"

Parry said:

"There is now no reason whatsoever for the RMT leadership to continue to call for strike action. They should call it off immediately and join all other unions in continuing with constructive talks to conclude this agreement.

John Morgan-Evans, an official with the Unite union, said the new offer was not enough to avert industrial action, adding:

"All we are asking for is a pay increase which reflects the cost of living.

Job security deal "broken" - £2.4bn cuts

The RMT has accused LU of refusing to abide by an agreement which ensured job security and ruled out compulsory redundancies which would put 3,000 jobs at risk.

Transport for London plan to axe the 3,000 back room staff and temporary workers this year.

The RMT's strike is also in opposition to TfL's planned £2.4bn "efficiency package" which they warn could lead to compulsory redundancies.