But the deadline passed, with LU saying it was considering its position and promising to "explore every avenue to avert this needless strike action".

BBC: Tube strike rests on Monday meeting

What this underscores, though, is that we have to continue to explore every avenue to accelerate the return to hiring, which brings me to my announcement today.

WHITEHOUSE: New Investments in Jobs and Clean Energy

And we're going to continue to explore each and every avenue that I can think of that will lead to job creation and economic growth.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on Highways and Recovery