Recently, the wave of strikes across the UK has intensified. Following the pandemic, the UK economy has continued to decline, with soaring inflation prompting workers from a wide range of sectors — including doctors, nurses, teachers, and train drivers — to take to the streets in protest. This has become one of the largest strike movements in UK history.

Below is a summary of the latest strike developments affecting trains, subways, and airports across the UK:

Airport Strikes: A Major Obstacle to Easter Holiday Travel

Heathrow Airport:
From April 8 to April 23, 50 cleaning staff will go on strike, likely causing widespread disruption to sanitation services and overall airport operations.
In addition, on April 9, another 500 workers responsible for assisting passengers with reduced mobility will also join the strike, further disrupting airport services and leading to potential flight delays and passenger congestion.

Gatwick Airport:
From April 18 to April 22, 100 ground handling staff — including baggage handlers, check-in agents, and flight dispatchers — will strike.

It is estimated that around 50 flights per day will be affected, leading to delays, cancellations, and significant baggage handling issues.

Rail Strikes: Severe Impact on East Coast Travel

Strikes across the railway network, particularly on the East Coast, are expected to cause substantial disruptions to domestic travel and freight movement.

Impact of Strikes on Cross-Border E-commerce and International Logistics

Delivery Time Severely Affected:
Strikes at airports and on railways significantly delay the transportation of goods. Flight cancellations and rail disruptions make it difficult for shipments to arrive on time, negatively impacting customer satisfaction and delivery commitments.

Rising Logistics Costs:
With extended transit times and warehouse congestion, storage costs are on the rise. In addition, airlines and railway operators may adjust pricing to cover their increased operational costs, further squeezing profit margins for cross-border sellers.

Supply Chain Stability Undermined:
Strikes disrupt transportation, increasing the risk of supply chain breakdowns. Sellers face mounting challenges in inventory management, leading to frequent stockouts and missed sales opportunities, ultimately damaging brand reputation.

For professionals in cross-border e-commerce and international logistics, staying up-to-date with UK strike developments is essential. Timely adjustments to logistics plans and operational strategies can help minimize the negative impact of these disruptions.

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