Scrooge strikers will bring chaos to the Xmas getaway

STRIKES, engineering and roadworks are set to cause travel mayhem for families over Christmas.

Militant union bosses plan protests on the railways, with strikes by Virgin Atlantic pilots also targeting those hoping to jet off for some winter sun.

The Rail Maritime & Transport Union, which represents train guards, has orchestrated strikes on both Northern and South Western Railway on December 22 – the last shopping Saturday before Christmas.

And festive shoppers across the North will today be hit by another strike in the long-running dispute over guards on trains. RMT members on Northern will stage their 40th walkout since the row flared. The company said ‘very few’ services will run after 5pm.

By the end of December, Northern will have been hit by 19 consecutive Saturdays of strike action. It has also announced protests on South Western on December 27 and New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, a major programme of engineering will cripple much of the rail network. A 25,000 strong workforce is set to carry out 330 engineering works over the holiday. Network Rail, which manages rail infrastructure, has already issued a string of warnings to passengers across Britain to plan ahead, with works due to begin next weekend. Alerts were issued for people travelling between London, Kent and the South East, the West Midlands, the North West, Cumbria and Wales.

Labour MP John Mann said: ‘Rail delays and engineering works over Christmas make it more difficult and sometimes impossible for families to be together.’ Network Rail said there will be less overall disruption than last year as most of the work has been scheduled for when no trains are planned to run, such as on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

There was more bad news for those travelling further afield.

Virgin Atlantic pilots belonging to the breakaway union the PPU are planning a series of strikes. The first is due to start on December 22 and continue until Christmas Day, with the next from December 30 to January 2, and a third due to start on January 4.

Many drivers will also face gridlock. Friday December 21 is expected to be the busiest day, with almost 19million setting off on journeys. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, with freezing rain and snow forecast. George Flinton of the AA said: Check the traffic reports before you go and try to travel when it’s quieter if you can.’