TALKS are due to be held today to prevent further industrial action on a busy rail line through Waltham Forest.

Commuters using the Chingford to Liverpool Street line faced disruption last week when members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) and Aslef unions walked out for 48 hours.

Another two-day strike is planned on Thursday.

Keith Norman, Aslef general secretary, said: “This dispute is not just about pay, but also about the poor industrial relations that have existed in this company for a long time – with little genuine effort being made by the management team to resolve issues between us.

“Our door is always open if a sensible solution can be found.”

Andrew Chivers, National Express East Anglia managing director, said: “The unions' demands are totally unrealistic, especially in this economic climate.

“We have offered salary increases above the rate of inflation, and we remain available at any time for discussions.

“Strike action is unnecessary, simply not the solution and I would like to apologise to our customers.”

National Express East Anglia warned there will only be limited services if the proposed action goes ahead.