Labor & Workforce

Rail strikes hamper Christmas travel in UK

London, Dec 24 (EFE).- Millions of travelers up and down the United Kingdom are facing disruptions during the festive period as rail workers stage fresh strikes Saturday over pay disputes.

The industrial action by members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) coincided with a strike by UK border agents at airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow.

Christmas Eve is traditionally a busy travel day in the UK as people make their way home for the festive period.

But facing strike action this year, many are having to turn to alternative forms of transport such as buses or private cars.

Rail operator Network Rail has offered workers a 5% pay rise this year, but the increase was rejected by the RMT, whose workers are holding out for a 7% rise to combat British inflation rates of 10%.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) called strike action among border agents from Friday until December 31 with the exception of December 27.

Soldiers and volunteers have been called in to carry out passport checks.

The UK is currently experiencing waves of industrial action across a wide range of sectors from rail and ambulance drivers to teachers.

The nation’s inflation rate hit 10.7% in November as levels remain at a 40-year high. EFE

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