With Christmas looming, strike mania is hitting the country once again with a number of unions announcing industrial action in the weeks leading up to 25 December.

It’s looking like there will be strikes nearly every day before Christmas. There will be continued action by the RMT union, affecting train travel across the country. Strikes by members of the Communication Workers Union could affect when Christmas cards arrive.

Several other unions are considering strike action. This includes the Fire Brigades Union and the Public and Commercial Services Union who represent civil servants and government workers.

Members of the RMT union, who work for Network Rail and 14 other train operating companies, are set to stage six consecutive days of strikes the week before Christmas. Advice is to check whether this action will affect you and plan your journeys around it, as service will either be heavily reduced or not running at all.

There are also a few days of action planned for staff who work the Eurostar services to France, Belgium and the Netherlands, so if you are heading to mainland Europe, be aware that you could be affected too.

Several bus companies will also be striking this month. Abellio Bus services in the south and west of London will be taking action. Unite bus drivers at Metroline could take action, depending on how talks for an improved pay off is handled.

Words: Yana Trup | Subbing: Cerah Handsaker