London commuters are facing significant disruption to Tube services next week as drivers prepare for fresh strikes.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are set to stage two 24-hour walkouts, commencing at 12 noon on Tuesday 19 May and again on Thursday 21 May.
Transport for London (TfL) anticipates that most Tube lines will operate some services, but has cautioned that journeys will be affected, with service levels fluctuating throughout the week.
Following the start of the strikes, widespread disruption is expected across all lines in the afternoons, and any operational services will conclude earlier than usual.
While buses, the DLR, Elizabeth line, London Overground, and trams are scheduled to run as normal during the industrial action, they are expected to be considerably busier.
TfL has advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and allocate additional travel time.
The dispute centres on changes to the working week, which union members have rejected.
This upcoming action follows two strikes held in April, with further industrial action threatened for June if a resolution is not reached.
RMT official Jared Wood earlier said that union members held strong convictions regarding the issues at the heart of the dispute.
He said that the proposals included a move to a four-day week for drivers, along with changes to the length of shifts and to annual leave.
He said: “TfL need to come forward with changes to their proposals for this dispute to be resolved.
“There is absolute unanimity among our members that we have to fight these proposals.”
Mr Wood said there was now “a lot of bad feeling” between the drivers and London Underground.
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, earlier said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.
“This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”
