It was the night before Christmas…
And there can be quite a bit of noise around the house – as transport links come to a standstill today due to strike action.
Those who have put off their trip home to the last minute can struggle with delays and cancellations.
Railway workers and bus workers went on strike this month as part of a widespread campaign to protest against wages and working conditions.
It comes after a wave of industrial action across the country this week.
People from Britain’s key industries, such as road workers, nurses and bus drivers, have all taken down tools this month in protest at wages and working conditions.
For those driving home for Christmas yesterday, there were warnings of delays as National Highways workers staged further strike action.
Today, workers of unions representing railway workers and bus drivers are on strike.
It was thought that the December rail strikes could be called off after Rail Delivery Group (RDG) held talks with RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers).
However, union boss Mick Lynch announced on December 4 that he had rejected the RDG’s offer of a 4% wage increase for 2022 and 2023 “as it does not meet our criteria for securing a job security settlement.” in the long term, a decent wage increase and protection of working conditions.’
Now even more union actions are taking place that directly affect Christmas travel.
Bus drivers have also gone on strike over a pay dispute amid the huge rise in inflation the country has seen.
The latest wave of strikes will take place on December 24, 27 and 31 and on January 4, 5, 10, 12, 16, 19, 25 and 26.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary: ‘Abellio is content to hoard mountains of cash, but has imposed a completely unacceptable remuneration proposition on its drivers.
“It is disgraceful behavior and our members are rightfully outraged. Unite always fights to defend and improve the jobs, wages and working conditions of its members, and Abellio’s employees in South and West London have the unwavering support of their union.’
This union action will mainly affect services in West and South London.
The drivers have already taken action for 10 days in the past two months.
Ongoing strike action by unions linked to the Royal Mail, the Border Force, National Highways and driving examiners is also taking place today.
Contact our news team by emailing webnews@metro.co.uk.
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