Julia Lo Bue-Said said five consecutive days of national rail strikes "does nothing but create further travel chaos and disruption" to long term planning for businesses, and could lead to more firms considering long term work from home arrangements.
"The start of a new year provides an opportunity for people and businesses to reset and revaluate their plans for the year," she continued.
"Unfortunately, the start of this new year brings further trepidation for so many reliant on the rail network to go about their everyday lives."
She said although unions are "trying to do what’s best for their members", Brits who are trying to go about their daily lives are facing "no end of disruption".
"We urge the government to work with unions to get these issues resolved to ensure that travel can return to normal as soon as possible this year," she added.
