Why are Tube strikes happening next week – and how much disruption will there be?

A fresh wave of Tube strikes is set to hit London next week.

Drivers who are members of The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will hold two 24-hour walkouts.

The first is due to start at midday on Tuesday, May 19, with a second happening at midday on Thursday, May 21.

They will be the third and fourth walkouts in a series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the Tube.

The first two strikes in April brought severe disruption to the transport network, with millions of Londoners forced to take alternative routes to work or stay at home.

But why are the drivers striking, when are they and how much disruption can passengers expect? Here is all you need to know.

As it stands, members of the RMT union are striking at the following times (all BST):

Transport for London (TfL) is offering Tube drivers the chance to work a four-day week, but the RMT has rejected the offer.

Under the plans the majority of drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours – but they would work longer shifts on days they work.

The RMT argues the working day would be too long under the proposals, risking driver fatigue and potentially compromising safety.

The union instead wants to negotiate a 32-hour week over four days for drivers, meaning they would work three fewer hours each week for the same salary.

TfL is currently rejecting the RMT proposals, saying drivers do not need to take up the four day week offer and could remain on a five-day week if they want.

Members of the Aslef union have also already voted to accept TFL’s four-day week offer.

Transport for London has yet to clarify how much disruption is expected on the London Underground lines during next week’s strikes.

However, it is likely to be similar in scale to the previous two 24-hour walkouts.

The Circle line was suspended while a number of other lines, including the Central and Piccadilly lines, were part-closed

However, other lines were only lightly impacted. The Bakerloo, Victoria and Northern lines managed to operate at around two-thirds of their normal service, resulting in only minor delays.

The Elizabeth line was running a normal service.

Early-morning and evening passengers faced the most disruption with no lines operating until about 7am or after around 8pm.