UK faces strike-hit Christmas by post, train and air

LONDON — The United Kingdom faces a Christmas of discontent as labour unions threaten to disrupt airports, rail services and mail deliveries.

The Unite union and aviation services company Swissport announced negotiation plans Saturday intended to avert a Dec. 23 walkout by 1,500 baggage handlers, check-in staff and other workers at 18 airports. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey says he hopes “fairness will prevail” in Tuesday’s talks.

At British Airways, a fourth of the airline’s cabin crew members are planning a two-day strike starting on Christmas Day Dec. 25. British Airways condemned Unite’s timing and vowed to ensure that all customers reached their holiday destinations.

Strikes at Southern Railway already have disrupted much of England’s train services this month.