Britain on strike: Mass industrial action hits flights, trains and tube

BRITISH commuters heading back to the office after the Christmas break face severe disruption as transport workers underground, on railways and in the air go on strike.

London underground staff began a 24-hour walkout on Sunday evening January 8, British Airways cabin crew are on course to take industrial action on Tuesday January 10, while the Southern train operator will round out a tough week with a full three-day strike. 

Further strikes on the railways are on ballots in Merseyside and the West Midlands as the RMT union stands its ground over demands for better pay and conditions. 

The British Airways strike will affect flights from Heathrow airport only as cabin crew rebel against a basic wage of £12,000 per annum. Millions of people will be affected by the tube strike, which comes as a response to job cuts initiated by former mayor Boris Johnson. 

Rail passengers in particular will be furious. Prices have already risen by 2.3% on southern routes with those in Greater London paying at least £4,000 for a yearly season ticket on what is essentially a failed service.