Highways Workers Threaten Christmas Chaos with 12 Days of Strikes
PCS union members working for England’s National Highways have announced 12 days of disruptive strike action over the festive period. The walkouts will hit from 16 December right through to 7 January, putting holiday travel plans in jeopardy.
Who’s Striking and When?
These crucial workers, who plan, design, build, operate, and maintain the country’s roads, will stage staggered strikes across the country. The London and South East region faces walkouts on 22, 23, 24, and 25 December — right over Christmas itself.
Strike Storm Brewing Across Public Services
The highway strikes will coincide with planned RMT railway walkouts, threatening gridlock on Britain’s transport network during the busiest travel time of the year.
This tough action follows votes by staff in 124 government departments demanding a 10% pay rise, better pensions, job security, and protection from redundancy cuts.
Union Boss Slams Government’s “Inaction”
“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,” said PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka.
“With the serious cost-of-living crisis, they deserve to be paid properly for the important work they do, keeping our roads 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.”
PCS has also revealed upcoming strike dates in other key departments, including the Home Office, signaling widespread unrest in the months ahead.
