Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union working on England’s highways have voted to go on strike in the lead-up to Christmas and over the New Year.
The PCS’s planned industrial action is just the latest in a string of transport sector strikes, as workers fight for better pay and working conditions.
But what dates are road workers planning to go on strike and how will the walkouts affect Christmas travel?
Here’s all you need to know.
What dates are road workers planning to strike?
The first dates of planned strike action are on December 16 and 17 and will affect the North West, Yorkshire, and the North East.
These strikes will coincide with RMT rail strikes planned for the same day.
London and the South East will then be affected by strikes on December 22, 23, and 24.
Why are the road workers striking?
Like many other striking workers, people working on England’s highways voted for industrial action following a dispute over pay.
They are also striking over pensions justice, job security, and no cuts to redundancy terms.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘We know our members’ action could inconvenience travellers who plan to visit their relatives over the festive period, but our members have been placed in this situation by a government that won’t listen to its own workforce.
‘With the serious cost-of-living crisis they deserve to be paid properly for the important work they do, keeping our roads running safe and free. The government is in the driving seat here – it’s in a position to stop these strikes by putting money on the table.’
How will the strikes affect Christmas travel?
National Highways Workers plan, design, build, operate and maintain the country’s roads and PCS has said that if they strike, it could bring the road network to a standstill.
Although roads are due to remain open for travel, drivers should expect delays and the possibility of last-minute closures.
This means that Britons wanting to drive home for Christmas will have to plan their travels around the strike dates.
With many road strikes coinciding with rail strikes, it will be incredibly difficult to travel on some days so make sure you plan ahead to avoid being stranded.
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