Large-Scale Strikes Ahead of Christmas in UK... Fears of Aviation and Railway Chaos

Airport Immigration Officers Strike Demanding Wage Increases and Job Security

London Heathrow Airport Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahead of Christmas, airport immigration officers and railway workers in the UK have announced strikes, prompting the UK government to make strenuous efforts to persuade the workers.

According to CNBC on the 9th, UK airport immigration officers have announced strikes for eight days from the 23rd to the 26th and from the 28th to the 31st of this month. If the strike materializes, chaos is inevitable at major UK airports. With an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 employees expected to participate in the strike, the UK government has announced plans to deploy the military and other personnel to fill the workforce gap.

However, it is projected that 10,072 flights and over 2 million passengers will be affected by the strike.

The UK railway union has also announced strikes on the 13th to 14th, 16th to 17th, and 24th to 27th. During this period, about half of the railway workers are expected to participate in the strike.

Railway officials have urged people to use the railway only when absolutely necessary and to frequently check the status of train operations.

The strikers are demanding wage increases in response to recent rapid inflation as well as job security.

In addition, post offices and other services in the UK have also announced strikes.