Letter from Mark Langabeer, Hastings and Rye Labour member
It would appear that the wave of strike actions has ebbed over the recent period. This is probably down to employers wishing to make concessions and union leaders who seek compromises.
However, there have been exceptions to this rule. The rail dispute over pay and conditions has continued without resolution for over a year. The resolve of both the RMT and ASLEF members has been truly remarkable. I have long believed that the three rail unions should amalgamate. It would strengthen the position of rail workers who are fighting to preserve their terms and conditions of employment.
The Tories have always attempted to discredit the rail union leaders. They claim that the latest strike and overtime ban by drivers is ‘politically inspired’ because it coincides with Tory Conference.
Yet from the outset of the dispute, the Government have intervened to prevent a settlement. They hoped that a victory over the rail unions would act as a deterrent to others in taking industrial action in defence of living standards. This policy has quickly unravelled with large numbers of workers participating in strike activity .
Doctors supported by the public
The other long-running dispute is the pay claim for junior doctors and consultants. They are fighting for pay to be restored to the level it was in 2008. This would represent a 35% increase in junior doctors’ pay. One of the features of this dispute is the level of support received by the wider public, including those patients that are directly affected by procedures being postponed.
What are the likely outcomes of these two disputes? I’m of the view that the Government will be forced into making concessions, because of the financial and political costs of not doing that. The rail dispute is costing the hospitality industry £bns in lost revenue. They are fearful about the lucrative run up to Christmas and are urging a resolution to the dispute. Ramping up the action should be under serious consideration!
The Government hopes to isolate the doctors, but this has failed and they, not the doctors, will be blamed for rising treatment waiting times. A new mood has developed within the trade union movement – members are not so affected by past defeats and leaders more willing to place themselves at the head of this change.
