Is there a rail/tube strike this xmas?

[Du1point8]

Heard some rumours but not a lot in the way of definite strikes. It was in the metro or something similar a few days ago.

If they do and it stops me travelling as I need to get back to london and catch a flight, can I claim off the unions or is it just a refund from visa for not being able to make the flight and just tough st and I will have to suck it up that plans are ruined?

I have been sensible and given myself 11 hours to get from home to london to pick up baggage and get to the flight (7 odd hours contingency) but what happens if the disruptions stop me?

Everything was booked up in Oct/Nov and if I want to changed anything like flights now its going to be £400-500.

[Shaman]

There are usually rail replacement buses but I don't think the unions will reimburse you. TBH it's their job to cause disruption to get the point across (else striking would be pointless) however you should be able to claim off TfL/heathrow express/gatwick express/whomever

[Du1point8]

That doesn't help if I end up missing the flights or the fact I'm going out to see SWMBO for the first time in 3 months and if I don't do it then are they going to pay the extra to fly me out to where she is stationed in Africa?

Hence the tough st comment and do I have to just deal with it and sod the fact or the reason why Im going anywhere.

[Shaman]

With the buses you should be able to get across London (vice tube).

You could always try contacting either the RMT/ASLEF (I've no idea which union is involved) and asking them (should be a link on their sites, no doubt they've haves these questions before).

The beeb published this guide for another strike which may be of some use?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8586905.stm

[Du1point8]

so basically my insurance needs to cover it and then i foot the extra bill if i have to fly a day later... not good.

As long as getting to london is fine then should be ok but I will be claiming several taxi fees on insurance then, they can play silly buggers with unions or who ever.