All the walkouts and industrial action planned in December 2023

Striking transport workers could cause a festive headache for commuters as they are set to walk out across December in a fresh round of strike action. 

ASLEF train drivers were among the first to walk out this month as part of a long-running dispute over pay, while London buses will also be impacted by industrial action.

The action will disrupt those who will be travelling over Christmas, whether it is to go home and see your family or if you are joining up with friends for a yuletide celebration. 

Over the last year, a number of disputes over pay have been settled from different striking industries; however, even just in the last month, industrial action led to some of the country’s most crucial infrastructure – including public transport and the NHS – being impacted. 

RMT union members, however, have voted overwhelmingly to accept a deal to end their long-running dispute over pay and conditions

But which strikes are confirmed to be happening in December, and what could still be called off? 

Train strikes in December

Disruption was seen in train travel throughout early December, with strikes by various train companies.

As with all industrial action, the situation can change at the last minute due to negotiations.

Always check the latest information with Network Rail before undertaking your journey.

Will there be more ASLEF strikes in December?

No more ASLEF strikes are currently scheduled for December 2023.

However, the Union recently completed a successful ballot for more strike action.

Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, recently said: ‘We are in this for the long haul. Our members – who have not had a pay rise for nearly five years now – are determined that the train companies – and the Tory government that stands behind them – do the right thing.’

When were the ASLEF train strikes in December 2023? 

Members at 16 different companies across England undertook strikes between Saturday, December 2, and Friday, December 8. 

All members across the network also refused to work any overtime from December 1 to December 9.

Which train companies took part in strikes in December 2023? 

16 train companies were affected by the industrial action, including – East Midlands Railway, LNER, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, West Midlands Trains, C2C, Greater Anglia, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR main line, SWR depot drivers, Island Line, CrossCountry and GWR, Northern and TPT. 

London bus strikes

Several strikes by RATP Dev Transit London bus drivers are set to take place during December and the Christmas period.

The TfL website can provide up-to-date information on when strikes are to occur.

When are the London bus strikes in December 2023? 

Two strikes took place on December 1 and 4, 2023, and two more are happening on 22 and 23.  

Which bus routes will be affected?

Eight routes are set to be disrupted, all based at the Westbourne Park Garage in Notting Hill, west London. The 13, 23, 28, 218, 295, 414, 452 and N28 routes will be impacted.  

TfL says that routes will be suspended from 5am on strike days until 6am the day after each strike.

Other routes will be unaffected, though may be busier than usual. 

When are the junior doctor strikes?

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that junior doctors will take part in strike action after talks over pay demands collapsed.

The strike action will occur from 7am on December 20 until 7am on December 23.

There will also be further action in the New Year, from 7am on January 3, 2024 for six days.

MORE: Rail workers accept deal to end long-running pay dispute

MORE: More train strikes are on the way in build up to Christmas – December 2023 dates revealed

MORE: All the rail lines affected by closures on Christmas Eve

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