UK BRACES FOR A HISTORIC NURSE STRIKE; PM SUNAK EYES ANTI-STRIKE LAWS

Thu 15 December 2022:

As Britain suffers through the great strikes, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed that anti-strike laws will be brought in “to protect lives and livelihoods”.

Speaking to Daily Mail Sunak said that he was gearing up for a showdown with union leaders and that he hopes they can see that wrecking Christmas isn’t right.

“I would really hope that union leaders can see that it’s not right to cause such misery and disruption to so many people, particularly at Christmas time,” he said.

Sunak’s statement comes as nurses in the UK are set to stage a workout today (Thursday) over demands of a 19 per cent pay rise.

He said that his government is acting “fairly and reasonably” as evidenced by their acceptance of the full recommendations of an independent pay body and that they will continue to do so.

However, he added “I’m prepared to introduce new legislation next year to protect people’s lives and minimise the disruption on their livelihoods. And that’s something we are working on at pace.”

Ministers are considering options such as a possible ban on emergency workers going on strike and the introduction of ‘minimum service levels’ in key sectors. Downing St said yesterday hospital trusts were still negotiating with unions about what level of service would be maintained when thousands of nurses walk out today over a 19 per cent pay demand.

Downing Street further said that they have asked paramedics who will be going on strike next week to provide a guarantee that emergency calls will not go unanswered.

Unions are calling for pay rises to keep up with the cost of living.

Inflation – the rate at which prices rise – is currently running at 11.1%, the highest level for 40 years.

But the government says increasing pay with inflation is unaffordable in the current economic climate.

Labour oppose Sunak’s attempts to bring in tough new anti-strike laws

Labour will oppose attempts by Rishi Sunak to toughen up strike laws and will even tear up some existing laws if they take power, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said last week.

The shadow chancellor lashed out as the Prime Minister considers new legislation banning ambulance staff from walkouts, as paramedics prepare to join nurses, rail workers, postal staff, Border Force and others on the picket line.

Sir Keir Starmer urged Rishi Sunak’s administration to ‘stop grandstanding and start governing’ by getting around the table with unions.

At a business conference in London he said: ‘I don’t want strikes and disruption.

‘I don’t think those going on strike want strikes and disruption. They are facing a very real cost of living crisis, they are struggling to pay their bills.’

He added: ‘We need to resolve the underlying issues.’

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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