THOUSANDS of train workers are set to walk out over pay freezes and job losses, with fears it will cause “mayhem” and “horrendous” disruption across south Essex.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union at Network Rail and 13 train operators, including c2c and Greater Anglia, will walk out on June 21, 23 and 25.

The furious union members say they are walking over pay freezes and job losses.

Bosses of Greater Anglia and c2c previously pledged to prepare contingency plans to reduce impact on customers.

Campaigners say it will cause huge disruption over the three days.

Peter Slattery, 63, former chairman of Southend Rail Travellers’ Association, said: “I know it’s due to pay and working conditions and it must be serious for action like this.

“I feel for anyone who’s lost their jobs and I know working at home has become more viable, so there may be a little less impact by the strike.

“There will still be an impact, especially as it’s weekend with families travelling and events being held.

I think it’s going to be a horrendous strike over so many lines.

“I do not think it’s justified and do not think they need to go to this extreme with their action. There will be so many commuters hit by this and it’s going to mayhem, especially for those who do not travel often, such as disabled people.”

The RMT also announced another 24-hour strike on London Underground in a separate row over jobs and pensions.

Tube workers will strike on June 21 to coincide with the first rail strike, threatening widespread travel chaos.

The union said it will be the biggest strike on the railways since 1989.

Union members voted overwhelmingly for action last month in growing rows over pay and job losses.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail’s chief executive, said: “We continue to meet with our trades unions to discuss their pay concerns and we’re doing everything we can to avoid strike action on the railway.

“We know that the cost of living has increased and we want to give our people a pay rise, but the RMT must recognise we are a public body and any pay increase has to be affordable for taxpayers.”