Some 40,000 railway workers, working for Network Rail, the public manager of the rail network, but also 14 private train companies, are observing a four-day strike at the call of the RMT union.

The train drivers' union, Aslef, calls for an additional day of walkout.

RMT, which in June launched the biggest strike in 30 years in the sector, is asking for better wages in the face of inflation which is close to 11% in the country, but also guarantees on working conditions.

The union accuses the Conservative government, which wants to reform the sector, of blocking negotiations.

Network Rail has warned that "serious disruption" is expected across parts of the rail network this week, calling on Britons to "only travel if absolutely necessary".

Wage strikes have multiplied in many sectors in recent months in the United Kingdom, affecting health in particular in December with a stoppage of nurses and paramedics, but also postal workers and telecom operators.

Many movements continue in January, with paramedics again on strike on the 11th and 23rd and nurses again on strike on the 18th for two days, as the British health system, underfunded for years, is under pressure .

Several doctors' organizations warned on Monday of the crisis hitting the emergency services, where they believe many patients are dying for lack of adequate or timely care, calling on the government to respond to the rising social discontent.

Transport was disrupted over the holidays by strikes by railway workers but also by traffic officers on British motorways, cleaners on trains and some bus drivers in London.

The majority of these movements continue in January.

A border police strike, which lasted eight days at the end of December, led to the deployment of soldiers at several British airports to replace striking officers.

Inflexible

The wave of protests hitting the country is on an unprecedented scale for decades.

The government remains inflexible in the face of the strikers' demands and is even considering toughening the regulations on the right to strike.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had estimated at the end of December that the fight against inflation implied "being responsible when it comes to fixing public sector wages" so as not to fuel further price increases.

According to a YouGov poll published at the end of December, two-thirds of Britons support strikes by nurses, 63% by ambulance workers.

The rail strike is less popular, supported by 43% of respondents.

The minister assures "working hard" to resolve the conflict between the railway companies and the unions, and indicates that an offer is on the table.

In mid-December, members of the TSSA and Unite unions had voted in favor of an improved salary offer from Network Rail providing for a minimum retroactive increase of 5% in 2022 and 4% in 2023. They said they had not received any comparable offer. private railway companies.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said the executive was "undermining efforts to get a deal" by imposing too strict conditions on rail negotiators.

RMT members rejected an offer from Network Rail in December.

"We cannot accept the current proposal. We need new elements in the equation to achieve solutions," said Mr. Lynch, assuring that an agreement "is possible in the coming days" but that the union is ready to continue the movement as long as necessary.

© 2023 AFP