The British Parliament today had legislation introduced requiring, in a fashion to be determined, that public services—rail, medical, education, etc.—have to somehow be maintained in the face of the strike wave, which is continuing. Yesterday, talks broke down between government ministers and labor union representatives, on how to deal with problems, including wage levels far below inflation, chronic understaffing in the National Health Services facilities, and other factors.
More strikes are now planned, for example, by nurses on January 18-19. A spokesman for the Royal College of Nursing, which represents nearly 500,000 nurses, said that they are “bitterly disappointed” by the failed talks. The nurses demand pay increases in the current financial year to 2023, but the government told them yesterday that this won’t happen, that “the budget is already set.”
Other sectors have set strike dates that will now be pursued. There may be ambulance workers striking tomorrow, after talks with Health Minister Steve Barclay failed. On January 19, ambulance workers in Wales have a strike date. Teachers’ unions are currently voting on a possible strike date. Junior physicians in the National Health Service are also considering strike actions.
