LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- After last-ditch talks between unions and rail operators broke down here on Monday, the United Kingdom's (UK) National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) gave the go-ahead on Tuesday to the country's biggest rail strikes in 30 years that are expected to cause massive disruptions to rail services in England, Scotland and Wales.
Only about 20 percent of passenger trains were scheduled to run after staff walked off the job at 12 midnight on Tuesday. The walkouts will continue on Thursday and Saturday this week, affecting millions of passengers.
More than 40,000 RMT union members, including guards, catering staff, signalers and track maintenance workers take part in the labor action.
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a general view of the tracks outside Clapham Junction Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a general view inside Waterloo Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a general view of the tracks and platforms at Clapham Junction Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a general view of Waterloo Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a sign inside Waterloo Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
People talk inside Waterloo Station in London, Britain, on June 21, 2022. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a general view of the tracks and platforms at Clapham Junction Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows a notice of strikes at Clapham Junction Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
A train gets ready to leave Waterloo Station in London, Britain, on June 21, 2022. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2022 shows workers walking in Waterloo Station in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)■
