Railway union chiefs threaten to ruin CHRISTMAS with more crippling strikes disrupting holiday travel plans for millions

RAIL union bosses could ruin Christmas for millions as they threaten crippling strikes over the festive period.

It comes after an estimated 2.5million journeys were disrupted after yesterday’s industrial action saw 54,000 workers walk out.

RMT assistant secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We’re in it until we win it. It’ll affect Christmas.

“We’re going to have to get creative. I won’t let the cat out of the bag but we will alter our position if we don’t see some movement in the next short period,” reports the Sunday Mirror.

General secretary Mick Lynch added: “Strikes will go on until we get a settlement. We don’t want to continue strikes through Christmas but if there’s no settlement they will continue.”

The strikes yesterday were particularly harsh as members from four unions refused to work in their battle over pay and conditions.

Just 11 per cent of services operated, which left many areas without any services.

Strikes are also planned for October 5 and October 8.

In the upcoming Saturday strike some 40,000 RMT members employed by Network Rail and 15 train companies, will hold a 24-hour stoppage.

The government has accused strikers of “punishing the people unions claim to stand up for”.

A spokesman added: “We urge union bosses to reconsider this divisive action.”

The RMT yesterday said six top-paid rail bosses will see their pay rise by over £50,000 each following the mini-budget.

They include Graham Sutherland, boss of the firm that operates several train companies including Avanti West Coast.