Newly-announced rail strikes in the lead in to Christmas and into the new year have been condemned by the UK’s corporate travel body.
The Business Travel Association called for talks between the main rail union and government to avert a further period of passenger disruption on the railways.
The BTA hit out after the RMT union confirmed that industrial action by more than 40,0000 members would be held across four 48-hour periods on December 13-14 and 16-17, and January 3-4 and 6-7.
An overtime ban will also run across the railways from December 18 until January 2, meaning RMT be taking industrial action for four weeks.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.”
Services have been badly disrupted in recent months as the row over pay, working conditions and job security has continued.
Separately, the Aslef union, which represents drivers, is holding another strike on Saturday (November 26) in a dispute over pay. It affects 12 train companies.
BTA chief executive Clive Wratten said: “The BTA urges the government and RMT union to get around the table and have meaningful conversations, thereby avoiding Christmas being railroaded.
“The timing of this announcement could not be worse for British businesses.
“Companies had just begun to return to the railway network after a summer of disruption. This will damage corporate confidence and undermine essential economic activity.”