London Tube strikes: What you need to know

A series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the London Underground is due to take place, with the walkouts starting later this month.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union voted to oppose the introduction of a four-day working week with condensed hours. The first strike is set to take place on 21-22 April, when two Tube lines will close entirely.

The union said it was concerned about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements and the possible impact of fatigue on safety.

Transport for London (TfL) described the strikes as "completely unnecessary" and said it was currently trialling a voluntary four-day week for drivers on the Bakerloo line.

As it stands, members of the RMT union will strike on:

• 21–22 April (12:00 Tuesday - 11:59 Wednesday BST)
• 23–24 April (12:00 Thursday - 11:59 Friday)
• 19–20 May (12:00 Tuesday - 11:59 Wednesday)
• 21–22 May (12:00 Thursday - 11:59 Friday)
• 16–17 June (12:00 Tuesday - 11:59 Wednesday)
• 18–19 June (12:00 Thursday - 11:59 Friday)

No service is expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, nor on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate. Central line services will not run between White City and Liverpool Street.

London Underground said there would be "significant" disruption on most Tube lines but the level experienced would not be as severe as the strikes in September.

Boarding the first Tube train may not be possible, according to TfL, with London Overground, the DLR, Elizabeth line, trams and buses expected to be busier.

A separate bus strike is happening on 24 April, affecting routes 8, N8, 25, N25, 425, 205 and N205, which operate from Bow bus garage.

Only drivers belonging to the RMT union are due to walk out - that is roughly half of the total number of drivers on the network. Aslef's participation in last year's strike with the RMT affected nearly all services.

Many Tube drivers are set to turn up to work as usual, including members of the Aslef train drivers' trade union - which accepted the proposals, labelling them “exactly the sort of deal every trade union should be trying to achieve”.

The RMT has rejected an offer for drivers to voluntarily work a four-day week.

Under the proposals, most drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours. Their contractual hours would remain the same because paid meal breaks would be introduced.

This effectively means drivers would work longer days, but fewer days each week and fewer overall hours each week.

The arrangement is currently being trialled on the Bakerloo line on a voluntary basis to test its viability.

The RMT said the working day would be too long under the plans, risking driver fatigue and compromising safety.

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

TfL said drivers could remain on a five-day week if they wanted to, pointing out that the change was voluntary.

Industrial action planned for last month was called off, with extra dates added in June.

Previously, Eddie Dempsey, the RMT's general secretary, said: "There is still time for London Underground to come up with a workable solution but we will take strike action if we cannot get a negotiated settlement."

TfL has urged the RMT to call the strikes off.

Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said: "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."

London Underground drivers last went on strike in September in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The industrial action caused severe disruption across the capital's transport network, with many Londoners getting around by e-bike instead.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk