UK railway workers, border force staff resume strikes

London, Dec 28 (EFE).- British railway workers and border force staff went on a fresh wave of strikes to demand better pay on Wednesday.

Train services will be disrupted until Thursday, causing travel chaos for people returning to work after the Christmas holidays.

Rail operator Network Rail had offered workers a 5% pay rise but it was rejected by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) who are demanding a 7% rise to help staff cope with inflation.

Some 1,000 border force staff are staging walkouts until Saturday, which will affect several airports across the United Kingdom, in a pay dispute as the cost of living continues to rise.

British authorities, meanwhile, have asked soldiers and volunteers to take over passport checks to avoid chaotic scenes at airport terminals.

Border force workers rejected a 2% raise proposal and warned they will keep striking in 2023 until they receive the 10% increase they are demanding.

Driving instructors are planning a strike later this week after the government rejected their demand for a 10% hike.

Highway maintenance workers are striking on Friday, while some bus drivers are also walking out on Saturday.EFE

vg/smq/ch