The 12 strikes of Christmas: Walkouts to hit UK every day of the festive period trends now
Brits will be hammered by a wave of strikes every day until Christmas in a new 'winter of discontent' - as MPs urge rail barons to suspend walkouts that could cost the economy £1.7billion.
Rail workers, including Eurostar staff, nurses, ambulance staff, teachers, security guards handling cash, cleaners, porters, driving examiners, airport workers, rural payments officers and civil servants are planning action that will affect every day over advent.
Millions will have their lives disrupted by the coordinated walkouts, which are set to cripple essential public services in the run up to Christmas.
Of particular concern is a NHS Christmas walkout on December 20, which some fear could bring the health service to a standstill.
Three unions – GMB, Unite and Unison – are discussing a co-ordinated strike date, says The Guardian, with talks between union bosses and ministers said to have taken place about how to 'avoid loss of life'. The Royal College of Nursing has already confirmed members will strike on December 20, and on December 15
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, (middle) at Westminster today with assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey (left)
Today, it emerged that ground handlers employed by a private contractor at Heathrow airport will strike in a row over pay.
Around 350 members of Unite working for Menzies will walk out for 72 hours from 4am on Friday December 16. The action will lead to some flight disruption, the union said.
Unite said the ground handlers have been offered a flat rate increase - which it branded a real-terms pay cut.
Government estimates seen by the Times suggest the rail industry alone will lose up to £260million because of the strikes.
Meanwhile, the hospitality industry has warned that industrial action will cost it £1.5billion in lost sales as people avoid going out to pubs, bars and restaurants.
Hospitality UK chief Kate Nicholls tweeted today: 'Hospitality businesses don’t have time to play with and losing the busiest Christmas trading week to rail strikes could be final for many.'
Steve Brine, chairman of the Commons health committee, suggested union barons were more determined than ever to shut down Britain, he said.
Mr Brine told Sky News: 'We keep hearing that this is a repeat of the winter of discontent of the 1970s. In some ways it is not, but in some ways actually it is possibly more concerning because of course
