Voice of London

Ahead of the festive period, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch has announced a new series of four 48 hour strikes in the lead-up to and after Christmas.

The strikes are scheduled to take place in December from the 13-14 and 16-17, and in January from the 3-4 and 6-7.

These strikes come off the back of previous strike action, where demands are still yet to be met.

The BBC reported that there are worries that there will be additional disruption on non-strike days “due to trains not being in the right places.”

The strike will see around 40,000 railway workers walk out. It could also have a dire effect on the hospitality and entertainment industry during the festive season.

Hospitality workers are expected to face difficulties getting to work in one of the busiest periods of the year for the industry.

Customers are also expected to cancel bookings at pubs and restaurants.

This could cause major financial losses for business owners hoping for their best season since the COVID Christmases of 2020 and 2021.

This will add to the pressure of inflation and low consumer disposable income, that comes as a result of the Autumn Budget .

Although there is currently no strike action scheduled for the week of Christmas, pre-holiday festivities will be affected by the new strikes.

Earlier this morning, Lynch stated that he was “not the Grinch”, but could he steal Christmas joy from commuters this year once and for all?

Follow the Voice of London for further updates.

Words: Nadya Salie | Subbing: Yana Trup