Summer breaks for travelers are off to a rocky start this weekend, with severe delays across the UK.
The AA has issued its first amber warning for traffic disruption, with queues already piling up at the Port of Dover.
Delays are expected to peak between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today and tomorrow as all families rush to start their vacation.
Huge crowds have gathered near the Eurostar, where “staff are valiantly trying” to keep travelers calm.
Images of a busy Manchester airport were also shared this morning as people are urged to allow more time for their flights.
Train strikes also started this morning, after members of the Aslef drivers’ union walked out over wages.
Staff are asking for a salary increase to keep pace with rising inflation in the UK.
Unions have been accused of ‘prolonging’ negotiations, while the government, in turn, has been accused of ‘lying’ to the public.
Today’s strike affects Arriva Rail London, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains.
There will also be no services on the London Overground network, and no Night Overground services on Saturday night and early Sunday.
North of the border, Scotrail has confirmed that services will not be affected.
Rail Delivery Group said the industrial action was timed to coincide with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the start of the new season for most English football league clubs.
Steve Montgomery, president of the Rail Delivery Group, said: ‘Millions of passengers will have their weekend plans disrupted, particularly those who are working, or going to the Commonwealth Games or the first football game of the season.
“While we will do our best to minimize disruptions, if you will be traveling on the affected routes, please plan ahead and check the latest travel advice.”
He added: “Further strikes will make our people lose their pocketbooks and mean less money to fund a wage increase, so we urge Aslef leaders to resume talks so we can come to an agreement that is fair to staff and workers.” taxpayers, and ensures a bright long-term future for our railway.’
But union leaders say the strikes are necessary to get fair wages for staff.
“Strikes are always the last resort,” explained Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary.
“We don’t want to inconvenience passengers, our friends and family also use public transport, and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike, but the companies have forced us into this position, which they say they have been pushed into by the government. tory.
“Many of our members, who were the men and women who moved key workers and assets across the country during the pandemic, have not had a pay raise since 2019.”
And he added: ‘We want an increase in line with the cost of living, we want to be able to buy, in 2022, what we could buy in 2021.’
Aslef and the RMT plan more industrial actions next month in the deadlocked row over wages, jobs and conditions.
Mr. Montgomery extended an open invitation to union leaders to meet with him for “meaningful discussions” to resolve the dispute.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, said: “It is crucial that talks continue to find a solution that prevents passengers from being continually drawn into this industrial dispute.”
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]
For more stories like this, check our news page.