This comes after days of chaos at airports across the country, with easyJet forced to cancel at least 35 flights on Tuesday, with Gatwick the worst affected airport.British Airways cancelled 124 Heathrow flights, although the airline said affected passengers were given advance notice.
Members of the Unite and GMB unions are being balloted in a dispute over pay which could cause chaos at the UK's busiest airport during the summer holiday period. "We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1% and rising.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps reacted to the strike plans on Twitter, writing: "Very disappointing RMT Union are taking action that could damage the rail network after taxpayers contributed £16bn, £600 per household, to keep jobs during Covid. Angie Doll, Chief Operating Officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We are extremely disappointed that passengers across the country now face the anxiety of rail disruption just as we are starting to recover from the pandemic.
“We will provide more detailed passenger advice and information in the coming days. In the meantime, we urge the RMT to work with Network Rail and train operators to seek a swift resolution.”
NickFerrariLBC Rail can’t exist with the ridiculous salaries - it’s cheaper to fly any distance already.