Railway services across the United Kingdom have been severely affected as Britain is facing its biggest rail strikes in decades.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said that Network Rail was threatening to cut safety-critical jobs as part of its modernization program that would also include an increase in working hours.

“Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously,” RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said.

The union has also asked for a 7% pay rise in order to mitigate the cost-of-living crisis for its members. (ILKHA)