Strike in the UK

Report by Shuchi Giridhar

A strike in the UK has been going on for a quite long time now. The new Prime minister Rishi Sunak is trying to settle the situation.

When did the UK strikes start?

The first UK strike began on Tuesday, 21st June, 2022, when the workers of the National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport workers (RMT) staged a 24-hour strike for an increase in their wages. They were also joined by staff from the London Underground. The strike has been going on for 5 months and 21 days now.

Why are people on strike in the UK?

Rail workers, paramedics, nurses, postal staff, civil servants, border guards, dockers, lecturers, and manufacturing workers are among those on strike. One reason for the strike is the cost rates of living in the UK. Food, fuel, and energy bills have increased. This is due to high inflation in the UK. Due to this, thousands of families living in the UK are struggling to lead a proper life there.

But the strike started due to the denied request of the RMT workers for a 7% raise which was replaced with an offer for a 3% raise. This is due to the severe pay crisis going on in the UK.

This issue started last year. 2022 was recorded as the worst year for salary increase in the UK. There were reductions of almost 80 Euros on average salaries per month. Even key workers in the public sector found themselves earning a salary of only 180 euros per month. UK pay growth has been the worst in the G7.

What is the government doing to stop the strike?

The UK government has implemented a new law so that the strikers calm down.

On Monday, 9th January, government ministers held talks with trade unions. But the talks failed.

The new law came to the Parliament on Tuesday 10th January. As part of the new law, the government has said that it will consult on minimum safety levels for fire, ambulance, and rail services.

Health services, education, nuclear decommissioning, and border security are some other sectors that are covered by the Bill.

The government is trying to pass a Bill that would make these strikes illegal. This makes the workers even more angry.

How is the strike affecting the country?

The UK’S train network has not been able to work effectively due to continuous strike.

Driving tests are also affected due to drive examiners going on strike.

This also affects lorries, motorcycles, buses minibuses, and cars.

Ambulances might not be available due to ambulance workers striking.

Schools will also be affected in the UK, mainly in Scotland because of teachers going on strike.

A notice has been sent out to all citizens instructing them to travel only when absolutely necessary. Many citizens of the UK are working from home due to the ongoing strike.

According to a report by Financial Times, the professions on strike have been the hardest hit in recent times. Their pay increase has either been very low, or, in some cases, the pay has actually been reduced.