Britain’s ‘winter of discontent’ has reached its temporary peak with the largest strike in decades. According to estimates, half a million workers in numerous sectors want to retire on Wednesday. They are demonstrating mainly for significantly higher wage increases, but also for better working conditions – and for the right to strike in itself.
Seven trade unions called their members to industrial action and coordinated the national day of protest. In large parts of the United Kingdom, a standstill is imminent. Downing Street warned of “significant disruption”.
Call for an inflation-based wage increase
Teachers and train drivers, university lecturers and government employees, bus drivers and security forces are now striking simultaneously. Dissatisfaction is huge in all sectors. More strikes have already been announced for the coming days, for example again on Monday and Tuesday by the nursing staff of the GGD. Another headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s conservative government is likely that firefighters recently voted to go on strike. The strikers are united above all by their demand for an inflation-based wage increase. Consumer prices have recently risen by no less than ten percent.
Teachers’ real wages fall by 23 percent
For example, the government offers teachers five percent more wages. Far too little, lamented the NEW teachers’ union, emphasizing: “It’s not about a pay rise, it’s about correcting historic cuts in real wages.” Real wages have fallen by 23 percent since 2010 and many teachers are leaving their jobs because of poor pay – adding even more pressure to those who stay. In England and Wales, an estimated 120,000 teachers now want to take a day off work. About 23,000 schools remain closed.
The government threatens to restrict the right to strike
The government refuses renegotiations. Prime Minister Sunak stressed that his door is always open for negotiations. However, this does not seem to apply to salary interviews. The 42-year-old has repeatedly warned that an increase in line with inflation would only fuel the “vicious circle” of ever-rising consumer prices. Employee dissatisfaction is fueled by a controversial government project. Sunak and his business secretary, Grant Shapps, have had enough of the ongoing labor disputes since last summer and now want to pass legislation restricting the right to strike. There should then be strict restrictions on police officers, firefighters, NHS workers or railway staff. Sunak states that this should guarantee basic services.
Label “Protect the right to strike”.
The project was “undemocratic, unfeasible and almost certainly illegal,” complained TUC Secretary General Paul Nowak. The unions have declared the day of the big strike as Protect the Right to Strike Day. Dozens of protests are planned across the country. The opposition also warns that the law would mean workers should fear losing their jobs. Labor vice-president Angela Rayner calls the law the “fire the nurses” and apparently strikes a chord. Polls show a majority support the strikers. In the eyes of many, the government is to blame for the chaos.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
