Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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British Rail Workers Go on Strike

by VOA News

   British rail workers launched their biggest strike in decades on
   Tuesday.

   Last-minute talks to avoid the stoppage failed Monday, with the rail
   management and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union unable to
   resolve a dispute about pay and job security.

   Union leaders say pay has failed to keep pace with inflation.

   British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned the strike would cause
   "mass disruption."

   The union of more than 40,000 workers plans to strike on Thursday and
   Saturday as well.

   Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence
   France-Presse and Reuters.