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The New Year is practically here – but while it may be a time for new beginnings and fresh starts, one thing that is set to stay with us into 2023 is strike action.
That could make things tricky if you rely on UK trains to get around, as yet more industrial action has been announced for January 2023 by the RMT.
The run-up to Christmas gave us union action from postal workers, nursing staff and road workers, while others, including ambulance workers and Border Force staff – also announced strike dates.
So, which walkouts are happening in the run-up to New Year and in January? And how might they affect you?
Here’s all you need to know.
UK rail strikes
More than 40,000 train workers with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out over Christmas and Boxing Day – and the action will continue as the New Year begins.
Those dates are as follows:
- Tuesday, January 3
- Wednesday, January 4
- Thursday, January 6
- Friday, January 7
These are national strikes, so they will impact trains all over the country.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.
‘Our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.
More: RMT and TSSA
While Network Rail’s chief negotiator Tim Shoveller said: ‘No one can deny the precarious financial hole in which the railway finds itself.
‘Striking makes that hole bigger and the task of finding a resolution ever more difficult.
‘Only through reform, that will not result in anyone losing their job, can savings be made that can then be converted into an improved offer. And while progress has been made over these last two weeks, we still have yet to find that breakthrough.
‘We will not give up and hope that the RMT will return to the table with a more realistic appreciation of the situation.’
London bus strikes
London buses also saw widespread strike action in December.
Bus workers for companies Abellio are the ones taking industrial action, so those buses have been affected on strike days – with other buses running but busier than usual.
The action started back on December 8, but the bus strike dates around New Year are as follows:
- Wednesday, January 4
- Thursday, January 5
Dozens of buses in London are going to be impacted by strikes.
You can find the full list of buses affected on Transport for London (TfL) website.
Road worker strikes
National Highways Workers who plan, design, build, operate and maintain the country’s roads have announced further strike dates across January.
The full list of strike dates are as follows:
- Tuesday, January 3 – All areas
- Wednesday, January 4 – All areas
- Friday, January 6 – East Midlands and eastern England
- Saturday, January 7 – East Midlands and eastern England
The PCS union has said that if they strike, it could bring the road network to a standstill meaning that those wanting to drive home for Christmas will have to plan ahead to avoid being stranded.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘We know our members’ action could inconvenience travellers who plan to visit their relatives over the festive period, but our members have been placed in this situation by a government that won’t listen to its own workforce.
‘With the serious cost-of-living crisis they deserve to be paid properly for the important work they do, keeping our roads running safe and free. The government is in the driving seat here – it’s in a position to stop these strikes by putting money on the table.’
Border Force strikes
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced that its members working as Border Force, passport and visa staff will strike over Christmas.
The industrial action will take place on the following dates:
And will affect the following airports:
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Glasgow
- Gatwick
- Heathrow terminals 2,3,4 and 5
- Manchester
- New Haven
Speaking at a press conference, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘We have had 10 consecutive years of below inflation pay rise.
‘This is a crisis.’
The Government has put 600 military personnel and civil servants on standby to deal with the potential disruption caused by the strikes.
However, it is likely that passengers travelling during this time will be subject to their flights being delayed or cancelled.
Driving examiners
Driving examiners across England, Scotland and Wales have been holding strikes across December in a month-long rolling programme of walkouts.
Once again it is over pay, with the Public and Commercial Services Union seeking a 10% raise as well as better working conditions including higher pensions, job security, and no cuts to the terms of redundancy.
The strikes will continue until January 16.
MORE : Huge crowds at stations during latest strikes – and it’s not looking good for January
MORE : Luisa Zissman rages over ‘irresponsible’ NHS strikes and says staff knew pay rate when they joined
MORE : The postal strikes have cost my business £2,000 – but I still support them
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