Major rail strikes have been announced for the Christmas period by the UK's biggest rail union which could have major impacts in Brentford. 

National walkouts have been announced by RMT, the UK's biggest rail union, to take place over the festive period and this will cause huge disruption to any travel plans. 

South Western Railway have said that they have not yet confirmed exactly how their timetable will look, but are in discussions with Network Rail to work out how they will handle the disruption. 

Mick Harper, the Transport Secretary, said on Sky News: "The government has played its part, we have ensured there was a new and improved offer which is fair for RMT members, and it is very disappointing they haven't played their part in making sure we can have discussions rather than damaging strikes." 

The dates for disrupted services are 13th and 14th December, 16th and 17th December, 18th December to 2nd January, 3rd and 4th January, and 6th and 7th January. 

This will mean that trains that go through Brentford station, Kew Bridge and Syon Lane are likely to be greatly impacted, as well as all other train services in the area, with reduced trains, as well as delays very likely. 

Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, said in a statement: "I am sure that the travelling public will be irritated and angry, but what I would ask them to remember is the train companies will be indemnified for all of their losses. 

"My members will lose money, the public will lose the convenience of having a train service, the business all-round the country will lose money, and the only people who won't lose money are the train operating companies. 

"The people that I am negotiating with don't suffer any detriment whatsoever." 

This latest round of strikes are in addition to pre-existing industrial action which are set to begin next week. 

These strikes are the latest in a long string of rail strikes this year as workers look to secure greater job security, better working conditions, and increased pay. 

This round comes following RMT recommending to workers to reject Network Rail's most recent offer of 5% pay rise this year and 4% next year, no compulsory redundancies for non-management until January 2025, and a 75% discount on leisure travel for staff and their families. 

Rail workers are the latest group to confirm action over the Christmas period, joining: nurses, postal workers, teachers, baggage handlers, driving instructors, and bus drivers.