The news that the latest Tube strike dates have been released should come as no surprise. In the on-going battle between RMT and London Underground, strikes seem to be a quick alternative to discussion and lengthy dispute procedures.

By threatening strike action again, the RMT is behaving like a spoilt child, using manipulation that’s about as subtle as a plank of wood. If something doesn’t go their way, they retaliate in the same disruptive way to get what they want.

Impatience has also been demonstrated, as the talks concerning the reinstating of Arwyn Thomas were still in progress when the strikes were announced.

This comes just days after Business Secretary Vince Cable told the GMB union conference that strike laws could be subject to change if there was pervasive industrial action.

The statement was met with widespread opposition from workers, and it seems that, at least for now, further industrial action is something we will all have to tolerate for the moment.

But if this is the RMT’s response to Cable’s measured words, perhaps we can look forward to less reactionary behaviour in the near future.