London: UK railway workers The network’s biggest strike action in more than three decades began on Tuesday, as a cost-of-living crisis caused by rising inflation sparked widespread industrial action.
Last talks to defer the strike broke down on Monday, which means more than 50,000 members of rail union RMT will step out for three days this week.
RMT General Secretary mick lynch has been described as “unacceptable” proposals of wage hikes below inflation by both underground train operators and London Underground which runs the tube in the capital.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was doing everything possible to minimize the “mass disruption” expected.
But he told parliament on Monday: “It is estimated that about 20 percent of planned services will operate, focused on key workers, main population centers and important freight routes.”
The attacks – also on Thursday and Saturday – risk causing significant disruption to major events, including the Glastonbury Music Festival.
Schools are warning that thousands of teens taking the national exam will also be affected.
According to the RMT, the strike is the biggest dispute on Britain’s railway network since 1989.
While rail operators have warned of disruptions throughout the week, lines not affected by the strike action are yet to curtail services.
RMT members are also staging a 24-hour Tube train stop on the London Underground on Tuesday.
The union argues that the strike is necessary because wages have failed to keep pace with UK inflation, which has reached a 40-year high and continues to rise.
Countries around the world have been hit by high inflation for decades as the Ukraine war and the easing of Covid sanctions fuel energy and food prices.
Unions have also warned that railway jobs are at risk, with passenger traffic yet to fully recover after the coronavirus pandemic lifts the lockdown.
The strike is adding to widespread travel chaos after airlines were forced to cut flights due to staff shortages, leading to long delays and frustration for passengers.
Thousands of workers were laid off in the aviation industry during the pandemic, but the sector is now struggling to recruit workers as demand for travel improves after the lockdown.
Meanwhile, preparations are on to strike in other areas of the public sector.
The Criminal Bar Association, which represents senior lawyers in England and Wales, has voted to strike next week in a row over the funding of legal aid.
Minister of Justice James Cartridge The walk-out has been called “disappointing”, given that the court system is already grappling with a significant backlog in cases caused by the pandemic.
Four weeks of action begins on Mondays and Tuesdays, increasing to one day each week from July 18 until the five-day strike.
State-run teachers and employees National Health Service Reportedly also contemplating strike action.
And several other transportation unions are voting members on a possible halt in the coming weeks.
Last talks to defer the strike broke down on Monday, which means more than 50,000 members of rail union RMT will step out for three days this week.
RMT General Secretary mick lynch has been described as “unacceptable” proposals of wage hikes below inflation by both underground train operators and London Underground which runs the tube in the capital.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was doing everything possible to minimize the “mass disruption” expected.
But he told parliament on Monday: “It is estimated that about 20 percent of planned services will operate, focused on key workers, main population centers and important freight routes.”
The attacks – also on Thursday and Saturday – risk causing significant disruption to major events, including the Glastonbury Music Festival.
Schools are warning that thousands of teens taking the national exam will also be affected.
According to the RMT, the strike is the biggest dispute on Britain’s railway network since 1989.
While rail operators have warned of disruptions throughout the week, lines not affected by the strike action are yet to curtail services.
RMT members are also staging a 24-hour Tube train stop on the London Underground on Tuesday.
The union argues that the strike is necessary because wages have failed to keep pace with UK inflation, which has reached a 40-year high and continues to rise.
Countries around the world have been hit by high inflation for decades as the Ukraine war and the easing of Covid sanctions fuel energy and food prices.
Unions have also warned that railway jobs are at risk, with passenger traffic yet to fully recover after the coronavirus pandemic lifts the lockdown.
The strike is adding to widespread travel chaos after airlines were forced to cut flights due to staff shortages, leading to long delays and frustration for passengers.
Thousands of workers were laid off in the aviation industry during the pandemic, but the sector is now struggling to recruit workers as demand for travel improves after the lockdown.
Meanwhile, preparations are on to strike in other areas of the public sector.
The Criminal Bar Association, which represents senior lawyers in England and Wales, has voted to strike next week in a row over the funding of legal aid.
Minister of Justice James Cartridge The walk-out has been called “disappointing”, given that the court system is already grappling with a significant backlog in cases caused by the pandemic.
Four weeks of action begins on Mondays and Tuesdays, increasing to one day each week from July 18 until the five-day strike.
State-run teachers and employees National Health Service Reportedly also contemplating strike action.
And several other transportation unions are voting members on a possible halt in the coming weeks.