Christmas Travel Strikes in December 2022
The festive season is one of the busiest times for the rail and airport industries, with millions of people eager to reunite with loved ones worldwide. However, anyone planning to travel anywhere in the UK this Christmas may face severe travel disruptions due to ongoing industrial actions scheduled for various dates in December. Issues surrounding pay and working conditions have prompted strikes that could lead to significant delays or cancellations during the crucial days leading up to and after Christmas. Consequently, travel impacts will extend to both rail and air services, as multiple industries, including rail workers, baggage handlers, and border force members, will be participating in these strikes. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the specific dates of these actions and their potential effects on travel plans.
Rail Strike Dates in December 2022
Unite and RMT Union have announced industrial actions occurring just before and after Christmas, which will inevitably disrupt services at train stations across the UK. This affects journeys across the country, including routes serviced by Eurostar, a vital connector to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
- Friday, 16 December and Saturday, 17 December: Most train journeys across Britain disrupted or completely cancelled.
- Friday, 23 December and Saturday, 24 December: Unite union striking, affecting East Midlands Railway exclusively.
- From 18:00 on Saturday, 24 December to 06:00 on Tuesday, 27 December: Further RMT rail strikes planned over the days leading up to and after Christmas Day, including Boxing Day.
- Sunday, 18 December to Monday, 2 January: RMT union announced an overtime ban, possibly causing short-notice cancellations and timetable changes.
- Friday, 16 December: Eurostar strikes will occur, continuing on Sunday, 18, Thursday, 22, and Friday, 23 December.
- Tuesday, 13 December to Sunday, 8 January 2023: Chiltern Railways has organised further industrial action affecting their schedule.
Border Force Strike Dates in December 2022
The Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union has also declared industrial actions throughout the Christmas period, which will include more than 350 baggage handlers from airports across the UK. This could lead to notable delays for travellers arriving in the UK during this time.
- Friday 16 December: A 72-hour walk-out by baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport will affect passengers flying with several international airlines including Lufthansa, Air Portugal, and American Airlines.
- Friday 23 December to Monday 26 December (until around 07:00): The busiest travel days of the holiday season will be impacted, affecting services at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and more.
- Wednesday 28 December to Saturday 31 December (until around 07:00): PCS Union border force members will continue to strike, affecting the same airports.
