The United Kingdom faces nationwide railway disruptions in the coming days, with only half of its network expected to run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Some 50,000 railway workers are taking part in the staggered three-day walkout, believed to be the biggest since 1989. On Tuesday, London Underground workers will also go on a 24-hour strike.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers has said the protest is happening because the government is planning to cut thousands of jobs and is refusing to adjust salaries to keep up with soaring inflation.
"Our people are getting poorer while their jobs are under threat," General Secretary Mick Lynch told the LBC radio station. "And if you survive the jobs cull that they've got in mind your working conditions will be diluted and you'll be worse off."
The union is demanding a 7.1% pay increase, Lynch added, claiming that they have not received any counteroffer from the government.
Lynch previously described economic troubles in the UK as a "class struggle" and called on opposition lawmakers to show which side they are on.
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