Travel warning issued for Brits going away this weekend due to strikes

EasyJet has issued a travel warning to everyone going away over the next three days as many trains won’t be running due to strikes.

No train services operate to or from Gatwick Airport today which affects everyone taking off or landing there.

Many train companies will run a reduced schedule and the budget airline encourages travelers to check for updates and make alternative arrangements before heading out.

Meanwhile, representatives of the train operators admit that they don’t want to take industrial action, especially ahead of the Eurovision Final in Liverpool this Saturday, but have no choice but to ‘press ahead’.

The new wave of train strikes comes after the British taxpayers have just splashed on a historic King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation ceremony and party and as national media continue to reveal the details of Rishi Sunak and his billionaire wife Akshata Murty’s extraordinary wealth.

Train strikes 12 - 14 May: impacted destinations

Easyjet has just released a warning on their website encouraging all travellers to make alternative arrangements if they travel to or from Gatwick Airport this Friday 12 May.

The statement read:

UK train services are planning to strike across the country from May 12 to May 14 2023. No train services will operate to or from Gatwick Airport on May 12. Please plan your journey in advance.

The budget airline also warned that other train companies across the country will be operating a significantly reduced schedule, ‘with disruption likely in the next few days.’

Impacted train companies include Avanti West Coast, C2c, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, GWR, Greater Anglia, including Stansted Express, Heathrow Express, LNER, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Railway.

The fact that nearly two dozens of operators participate in the industrial action, especially in the midst of Eurovision week, makes it one of the biggest and most significant train strikes so far.

EasyJet advised customers to make alternative travel arrangements to travel to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey.

Take into account that an increased amount of taxis and buses on the roads may lead to traffic jams.

Passengers with train tickets booked should receive a full refund if their train is cancelled due to action.

Head to the National Rail website or TFL for the latest updates.

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Why are there train strikes in Britain right now?

According to Mick Whelan, Britain's trade union for train drivers ASLEF’s general secretary, the industry players ‘do not want to go on strike’ but believe that this is the only way to prompt the Government to invest in rail ‘for the future of this country.

Transport rail union RMT’s general secretary Mick Lynch said:

We have no alternative but to press ahead with more strike action and continue our campaign for a negotiated settlement on pay, conditions and job security.

Next train strikes are planned for Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3, both by ASLEF.

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Sources used:

- Daily Express: 'easyJet issues holiday warning for British tourists holidaying this weekend'