United kingdom -unions consider stepping up industrial action
UK unions were considering stepping up industrial action as they try to secure pay rises for workers struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
UK unions were considering stepping up industrial action as they try to secure pay rises for workers struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Unions are expected to table motions ahead of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) next month that would enable them to co-ordinate strikes to ensure the greatest impact on services, British broadcaster Sky News reported.
The Trades Union Congress’s head of public services, Kevin Rowan, told Sky News that the trade union centre would “support and encourage” unions in the move, so strikes could be “as effective” as possible.
Britain is facing a massive cost-of-living crisis, with wage increases failing to keep up with inflation, which last week stood at 10.1%.
Those financial challenges have only been increased due to soaring energy costs – authorities say residents in Britain will see an 80% increase in their annual energy bills in October.
The country has seen waves of strikes this summer, with the public transport system grinding to a virtual halt on several days due to rail strikes.
Primary schools and nurseries in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, will be forced to close for several days next month if a strike from council workers goes ahead.
In London, garbage drivers in Newham Council began a week of walkouts on Saturday, with union officials warning there could be more.
