Put-upon public are turning against militant unions set on ruining Christmas with strikes

THE put-upon public are turning against militant unions set on ruining Christmas.

A poll found 51 per cent now oppose strikes, compared to 37 per cent who support them.

The backlash came as pubs and restaurants face crippling cancellations.

The hospitality sector is braced for up to 40 per cent of bookings to be no shows amid rail strikes by the RMT union under Mick Lynch, right.

UKHospitality chief exec Kate Nicholls said: “These further rail strikes will be hugely damaging for hospitality businesses, their workers and customers.

“We’re facing a heavily disrupted Christmas for the third year in a row.”

Michael Kill, boss of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “In previous strike action days, we have seen in some cases up to 40 per cent lost in trade, with billions of pounds in the balance

“It is clear public opinion is shifting, with many angry at being unable to enjoy a traditional festive period.”

Angry families say Lynch and the Union were going to cause mayhem.

Simon Allen, 44, faces an uncertain Christmas due to the walkouts as he wants to visit family in Derby over the festive period.

The dad-of-two is working on Christmas Eve and had tickets booked to leave that day back home.

The accountant said: “The whole thing is now a disgrace. This will cause mayhem for hardworking people who just want to spend time with their families this Christmas.

“The RMT is putting people off their cause by being spiteful with this action. It’s disgusting.

“They are cancelling Christmas.”