Strikes by workers across the country in disputes over pay, pensions, jobs and conditions are expected to escalate in the weeks up to Christmas and into January.
Here are some of the strikes planned which will affect Scotland this month.
December 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24
Post will be disrupted throughout December, with members of the Communication Workers Union striking in a dispute over pay and Royal Mail modernisation plans on the dates above.
People are being urged to send their Christmas mail and parcels sooner than they usually would to ensure gifts and cards can arrive in time.
It is thought that most Post Offices will remain open on strike dates, but letters and parcels will not be delivered on those days.
December 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 27
The RMT union has announced further strike dates involving Network Rail staff across the UK.
The union members are currently voting on a pay offer – which closes on Monday, December 12 – but even if a deal is reached and strikes are called off, it is thought that disruption will continue on the following days.
As Network Rail staff walk out, ScotRail will not be able to operate the majority of services due to disruption to “safety-critical” work. People are advised only to travel if it’s absolutely necessary.
Limited services will also be in place on December 15 as Network Rail says it cannot make all infrastructure available then.
For further information on which services will operate on strike dates, visit ScotRail’s website.
December 13
Civil servants in the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will start a month-long strike, with workers in different agencies and departments walking out on different days.
The first day includes DVSA driving examiners, whose strike will start in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 14
The DVSA strike continues for staff in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 15
The DVSA strike continues for staff in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 16
TSSA members who work for Avanti West Coast to stage another 48-hour walkout. Avanti operates services between Glasgow and London.
The DVSA strike continues for staff in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 17
Rail workers with TSSA at Avanti West Coast will continue their strike.
The DVSA strike continues for staff in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 18
The DVSA strike continues for staff in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
December 19
Unite members working for Highlands and Island Airports will strike, affecting 11 small hubs in Scotland.
December 22
Unite members working for Highlands and Island Airports will stage another strike.
Nurses?
The nurses strikes on December 15 and 20 will not take place in Scotland.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) suspended plans to take action in Scotland last month after “positive” discussions with the First Minister, which included a revised pay offer.
However, nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will stage the biggest strike in the RCN’s history, with up to 100,000 members due to walk out between 8am and 8pm.
The union is calling for a pay rise of up to 5% above inflation, plus better working conditions amid a shortage of nursing staff.
Most disruption is expected to occur in maternity services and A&E.
Ambulance workers?
The strike among ambulance workers from GMB, Unison and Unite are taking place in England and Wales only.
The workers will take action over pay and staffing levels, after accusing the UK Government of ignoring calls for a proper pay rise.
Strikes will take place on December 21, while GMB-only strikes are expected on December 28.
Unions say they will respond to life-threatening incidents during the strike.
Highway workers?
Workers involved in operating and maintaining roads in England are due to walk out from December 16 to January 7. While roads in Scotland are not directly affected, those travelling across the Border during the festive period should make note of the dates.
The strike is occurring as members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working for National Highways call for better pay.
The strikes may cause disruption as staff typically help keep roads moving, and deliver key safety measures and services like lane closures and rolling road blocks.
Strikes will be held in the North West and North East of England, and Yorkshire, on December 16 and 17.
Strikes on December 22 and 24 will affect London and the South East, while the West Midlands and the South West will be hit on December 30 and 31.
