I think the Tory government has got this hopelessly wrong. There's very strong public support for the current strikers and potential strikers, I reckon. Sunak talks about protecting the 'lives and livelihoods of the British public' from the effects of strikes, but the strikers are the British public and they're striking to protect their lives and livelihoods, but also to protect the services that the British public relies on. More power to them.
I'm absolutely no fan of this Govt, but I don't know how the govt. can not get this wrong in some ways. There isn't a lot of money to give out, and there is a very real danger that giving high wage rises across our very large public sector fuels inflation further and keeps us in the mud longer. Any govt certainly can't be seen to be giving in to unions too quickly, even if they do settle in the end - it's a bit of a dance and it has to be. If they give in right away and give nurses the 17% pay rise they're asking for, then they'll quickly be giving every public servant that much. On the other hand, they're getting it wrong by not giving nurses, paramedics, posties etc etc decent pay rises as we're in a horrible cost of living crisis and the least these hard work people deserve is to keep their heads above water with a rise in line with inflation. I suspect the govt. will give in to some of the more critical workers (read nurses & ambulances, but not trains and posties) soon enough, and they'll settle on something nearer 9%.
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The thing is though, in my opinion, it’s not just about the money….it’s more of the wider picture that the rich are getting richer and making vast profits from the crisis…the gap between the most poor and the most wealthy has never been higher….we have more billionaires in this country than ever before. Adding to this the outright corruption that has been taking place, Michelle Mone being just the tip of the iceberg, and the pure incompetence to waste the amounts of money this government has (how many BILLION on track and trace). It paints a picture that they feel we should be happy to earn less, while those bastards profit from our blood, sweat and tears. It just ain’t happening anymore
Yep. I was more thinking through the tactics on their side. Certainly agree there are some big structural issues coming to a head.
Sadly I’m not to sure mate. We’ve been told to prepare for a long struggle ahead. Only time will tell.
I agree with most of that mate, but from what you say, I presume this is as much a political strike as anything else and probably a 100% political strike for many.
How would you define it as being 100% political ? People at our place are burnt out, both physically and mentally…..people are leaving in droves, either to go back home to Australia (many) or to go into the private sector, where the pay is better and the stress is less. The problem we have is staff retention….and to keep the staff then you have to pay a decent wage to keep them. Sadly the government don’t want to pay a decent wage and the staff keep leaving. If that’s political then so be it…..
I'm yet to meet anyone who are striking due to political reasons mate. Think you're way of the mark on that one Col. It's purely down to pay and working conditions and many, if not all, don't actually want to go on strike but they have been left with no other option.
Just seen the Sky News headline that Sunak (The billionaire), has announced that some soldiers will now miss Christmas this year to deal with strikes. Nothing like trying to turn workers against each other, eh ? Sadly many idiots will fall for this obvious trap. Well don’t worry, if Sunak gets his way it won’t be my problem anymore. I’m sure I can make £14.92 an hour somewhere else and have far less stress and not have to keep people alive.
They are not allowed, like the PoPo and Prison officers, and I guess they knew that…unlike us who are going to have that imposed on us if the Billionaire Sunak has his way.
