24 Dec 2017 | 08:04 AM UTC
United Kingdom: Rail strikes planned Dec. 27 and Dec. 31
British rail companies Greater Anglia and South Western Railway plan 24-hour strikes on December 27 and December 31; rail transportation disruptions expected
Event
Employees of two British rail companies, Greater Anglia and South Western Railway, have planned 24-hour rail strikes for Wednesday, December 27, and Sunday, December 31, respectively. The strikes, organized by members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT), are reportedly in protest of a British government request to begin driver-only train operation on the lines; currently, the lines employ both drivers and conductors (or guards) on each train. Rail transportation disruptions are expected on the affected lines on the specified dates, unless a resolution is reached between the RMT, the train companies, and the British government in the coming days.
Context
Railway strikes are relatively common in the United Kingdom. RMT held similar strikes in September, October, and November.
Advice
Travelers in the United Kingdom are advised to expect significant disruptions on services provided by the abovementioned railways, confirm reservations, make arrangements for alternative means of transportation on those dates.
