Transport for London is warning of serious disruption on London Underground over the next few days, because members of the RMT and ASLEF will be staging industrial action unless there is a last-minute settlement of disputes of over pay and bargaining.

The first stoppage, today and tomorrow, affects RMT staff at Engineering Vehicles Operations and Maintenance, who are to walk out for 24 hours from 18.00 this evening.

This walkout is not expected to cause significant disruption, but last trains will run earlier than usual on Sunday, and most Underground services will be cancelled from Tuesday to Friday next week. More disruption is expected on Tuesday 12 November.

TfL said its other networks, including Overground, the DLR and trams, are not directly affected by the walkouts, but other trains may not be able to call stations which are managed by London Underground. It also warned that alternative services will be busier than usual on strike days, including buses.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘London Underground’s pay offer falls short of what our members deserve. It threatens to remove collective bargaining for a growing portion of staff, pushing them into pay bands that are decided solely by management. This undermines our members’ rights and the core principles of fair negotiation.’

TfL said it was ‘working hard’ to resolve the disputes. Chief operating officer Claire Mann said: ‘We are disappointed that the RMT and ASLEF unions have announced strike action, following our recent discussions over pay, terms and conditions. We are continuing to talk with all trade unions to discuss the issues and seek a resolution. Our offer is fair for our people and affordable for London.

‘We urge the trade unions to call off this action, accept our offer, and avoid disruption.’