A strike by British railway workers on a scale unprecedented in 30 years begins this Tuesday, June 21, 2022 to protest against the freezing of wages and job cuts, a social movement which is expected to affect millions of people and which, according to the unions, could lead to action coordinated with other industries.
This strike comes as british homes face a purchasing power crisis unprecedented in several decades, with soaring food prices and fuel while real wages remained at their 2016 levels.
More than 50,000 railway workers have planned to strike on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, a movement that the unions present as the potential start of a “summer of discontent” which could be joined by teachers and caregivers, in particular.
As last-minute negotiations broke down, the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ Union (RMT) said more strike days were planned.
“Our campaign will last as long as it takes”Mick Lynch told reporters.
Recession in sight
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has criticized unions for harming the people they claim to defend.
“By leading these rail strikes, they are pushing away commuters who ultimately support the jobs of rail workers, while affecting businesses and communities across the country”he said in a statement.
While the UK economy has recovered strongly from the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, labor shortages, problems in supply chains, post-Brexit trade concerns and the inflation raise fears of a recession.
The government highlights the additional aid granted to millions of the poorest households and cites the risk to the basics of the economy represented by potential wage increases above inflation.
The railway strike comes even as travelers face in UK airports chaotic deadlines and last-minute flight cancellations due to staff shortages.
Only half of the British rail network will be operational, in a reduced way, during the days of the strike, while disruptions are also to be expected between the days of the strike.
–
