British rail is almost at a standstill on Saturday, October 1, after the main rail unions decided on a new day of collective mobilization, the biggest strike of the year, to demand a rise in wages in the face of inflation record.

This is the first time this year that four transport unions - RMT, Unite, Aslef, TSSA - have coordinated for a joint day of action.

Only 11% of trains will run in the country, with many regions without any service.

Apologizing to users on the BBC for the expected disruption, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch justified the strike: "the government has caused this conflict" by proposing "to cut our jobs, cut our pensions and cut our wages in the face of inflation."

Inflation of almost 10%

British households are facing inflation of almost 10% and are worried about whether they will be able to warm themselves or pay their mortgages this winter.

Despite the announcement of a freeze on energy price ceilings, prices have doubled in one year and the government, in office for less than a month, is more unpopular than ever.

>> Fall of the pound sterling: the revolt of traders against tax cuts for the rich

The strike is likely to disrupt the visit of Arsenal and Tottenham fans to London on the day of the derby between the two north London football clubs.

It also comes on the eve of the launch, in Birmingham, of the annual congress of the Conservative Party and when the London marathon takes place on Sunday, which attracts tens of thousands of people to the British capital.

New strikes expected next week

Railway workers, but also dockers, postal workers, criminal lawyers or garbage collectors have multiplied strikes since June to demand wage increases in the face of the cost of living crisis. 

Several unions, representing railway workers in particular, had announced a truce in their mobilization after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but the movements have since resumed with a vengeance.

Further train and underground strikes in London are scheduled for next week.

With AFP

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app