Railway union announces strike dates at three rail companies immediately after Christmas

The TSSA union has said the strikes will have a "serious impact" on services, particularly in the Midlands and South West. The action will start on Boxing Day and end at noon on December 28.

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Which strikes take place in December?

Hundreds of union members from three train operators are set to strike immediately after Christmas in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) stressed that the action will have a "serious impact" on services, particularly in the Midlands and South West.

The union says the strike will start on CrossCountry from 9.00pm on Boxing until 9.00pm on December 27, while members of Great Western and West Midlands trains will withdraw from noon on December 28 for 24 hours .

TSSA's Organizing Director, Nadine Rae, said "nobody wants to go on strike".

But she accused the government of leaving the railway workers "with no other choice because of their anti-worker agenda which is blocking the talks".

Ms Rae added: "Our members at CrossCountry, GWR and WMT are tired of being taken for granted.

RMT strikes are also planned for Christmas Eve (

Picture:

ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

“The recent offer made by the employers did not even cover a large number of workers from these railway companies and others.

"The cost of living crisis is crippling household finances in addition to years of wage freezes.

"We hope the government will issue a New Year's resolution to give employers a free hand to negotiate a deal that meets our aspirations and resolves this dispute."

This comes as Britons have already been warned not to travel on Christmas Eve due to strikes by RMT union members working for Network Rail.