Recent months have seen many industries announce strike action as staff struggle with the cost of the living and ask for support. 

December will see the run-up to Christmas disrupted for some as different unions strike

From the Royal Mail, rail industries, and the NHS to name a few, industrial action is set to be an ongoing worry for some as they enjoy the festive season. 

But to make sure you are up to date with the latest strike dates taking place in December, we've rounded up all the walkouts expected for the Christmas month. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Rail Strikes

Why are Rail Strikes taking place? 

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) are walking out over various 48-hour periods in the run-up to Christmas. 

The strikes come over continued disputes over pay, working conditions and job security. 

More than 40,000 train workers will take action during the strikes.

When are the rail strike dates in December 2022?

  • Thursday, December 13
  • Wednesday, December 14
  • Friday, December 16
  • Saturday, December 17
  • From 6pm Christmas Eve, December 24 until 05.59 Bank Holiday, December 27

NHS nurses strike

Why are NHS nurses striking?

Nursing staff members that are part of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union are striking over pay and the safety of patients in the NHS. 

Strikes will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not in Scotland. 

When are the NHS strikes in December? 

  • Thursday, December 15
  • Tuesday, December 20

NHS Ambulance Strikes 

Why are NHS Ambulance staff striking?

Over 10,000 ambulance staff will strike as they ask for a 4% pay rise and more support. 

When are the NHS Ambulance strikes?

Dates have not yet been set but are expected to be announced soon.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Royal Mail Postal Strikes

Why is the Royal Mail striking?

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will be taking action over rows regarding pay and working conditions. 

The strikes are expected to create delays in the delivery of parcels and letters in what is the busiest time of year for the service.

When are the Royal Mail postal strikes in December?

  • Friday, December 9 
  • Sunday, December 11
  • Wednesday, December 14
  • Thursday, December 15
  • Friday, December 23
  • Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Higher education strikes 

Why are Higher Education services striking? 

Some University staff who are part of the UCU will strike over concerns about pay, pension cuts and their working conditions. 

Staff at some colleges will also be striking as part of the same union.

When are the Higher Education strikes in December?

  • Wednesday, December 7
  • Thursday, December 15 

London Bus Strikes

Why are London bus staff striking?

London bus staff for Abellio and Metroline will be walking out over disputes over pay and working conditions. 

When are the London Bus strikes? 

  • Thursday, December 1 (Abellio)
  • Friday, December 2 (Abellio)
  • Saturday, December 3 (Abellio)
  • Thursday, December 8 (Abellio)
  • Friday, December 9 (Abellio and Metroline)
  • Saturday, December 10 (Metroline)
  • Thursday, December 15 (Abellio)
  • Friday, December 16 (Abellio and Metroline)
  • Saturday, December 17 (Metroline)

Strikes could be called off if talks are successful.