Passengers across the UK are set to face severe travel disruption this Christmas as a major rail union has announced a series of strikes targeting the CrossCountry train network.
Strike Dates and Reasons
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has confirmed that its members at CrossCountry will take industrial action on four key Saturdays in December. The strike days are: Saturday 6 December, Saturday 13 December, Saturday 20 December, and Saturday 27 December.
This decisive action comes after what the union describes as a complete failure by the train operator to address long-standing grievances. The core issues at the heart of the dispute include an ongoing pay disagreement, unresolved staffing shortages, and the company's failure to honour commitments made in previous agreements.
Union Leadership Condemns Company's Approach
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey did not mince words when explaining the union's position. He stated that CrossCountry had not dealt with the fundamental problems and had even presented a proposal that was inferior to what was previously discussed.
"Our members are still facing unresolved staffing shortages, unfair pay outcomes and broken commitments," Dempsey said. He emphasised that the workers felt they had been left with no alternative but to proceed with strike action.
The union is now demanding that the company returns to negotiations with a serious offer that fulfils its existing promises and treats railway staff with the respect they deserve.
Expected Impact on Christmas Travel
With the strikes scheduled on four consecutive Saturdays in the busy run-up to Christmas and the festive period itself, passengers are being warned to expect widespread cancellations and significant travel chaos.
These dates are typically some of the busiest for rail travel, as people journey for Christmas shopping, visiting family, and enjoying seasonal events. The industrial action is likely to cause major inconvenience for thousands of travellers across the CrossCountry network, which connects many major UK cities without passing through London.
Passengers are strongly advised to monitor travel updates closely and begin making alternative arrangements for their journeys on the affected dates.
