Britain’s biggest railway strike in 30 years began today, with tens of thousands of workers leaving in a dispute over wages and jobs, potentially setting the stage for widespread industrial strikes across the country.

Since dawn, more than 40,000 workers, who intend to strike, have gathered at the barriers they set up, paralyzing the railway network and leaving the main stations empty.

Trade unions have suggested rail strikes could mark the start of a “summer of discontent” as teachers, medical workers, waste disposal workers and even lawyers move to strike as inflation approaches 10 percent due to soaring food and fuel prices.