Rail strikes continue to plague the UK. Union and government leaders fail to find common ground

The UK saw another wave of rail strikes over the weekend as unions still have not found common ground with the government. Their aims are clear - to increase wages and improve working conditions. As a result, only a fifth of all trains was in service.

Rail strikes in the UK continue to complicate transport there. Last week's strike began on Thursday and spilt over into the weekend when more than 45,000 rail workers took part. As a result, only one-fifth of all trains ran compared to regular service, and the restrictions continued through Sunday morning. The BBC reported.

The strikes threaten to continue as government and union leaders are still unable to agree on terms acceptable to both sides. Workers at the Port of Felixstowe have also joined the strikers making it very unpleasant news. Almost half of all containers pass through here every year, and this is a complication for shipping as well.

These events have not escaped the London Underground. On Friday, it was hit by another strike, and Tube usage fell by 90% compared with the previous Friday. Others who could join the strike action include teachers, nurses and firefighters as the British government fails to deal effectively with the impact of rising inflation and energy prices. But the cost of living is rising, and higher wages are not in sight.