British rail drivers go on strike to protest price hikes

British rail drivers have announced a 24-hour strike to protest high prices.

Train drivers of 9 companies in Britain began a 24-hour strike, Saturday, to protest the high prices and the deterioration of purchasing power.

The strike caused the suspension of services in many parts of England, Scotland and Wales, according to the British Guardian newspaper, Saturday.

The strike, called by the "Locomotive Drivers and Firefighters Association", included nine local companies, some of which canceled their activities, such as the Heathrow Express, which links the largest airports in the capital.

In a statement, the union explained that the strike was the "last measure" it took in the face of employers' refusal to approve an increase in workers' wages, The Independent newspaper reported.

Inflation in the United Kingdom exceeds 9%, and the central bank expects it to rise to 13% during the coming autumn, coinciding with the rise in energy bills, the second in a row.

Social movements are multiplied in the country against the historical decline in the purchasing power of families in the country.

In June, train drivers staged a historic strike, which was followed by regular demonstrations.

A London rail, postal and telecommunications strike is expected in the coming days or weeks.

In turn, the union's Secretary-General, Mick Whelan, said that there will be negotiations with the operators, noting that the train companies were prevented from increasing more than 2% on wages without the government's permission.