Thousands of railway workers in the United Kingdom adhere this Thursday to the second of the three planned days of train strikes, the largest since 1989, in salary increase claimwith a strong impact on users and the economy.
The strike -whose last day will take place this Saturday- has been convened by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)after what negotiations with the public manager failed of the Network Rail infrastructure and the private operators of the lines.
Near 40,000 workers they have paralyzed the UK train network, forcing many citizens to opt for other means of transport, such as buses or taxis, while others have decided to work from home.
The strike will entail a high cost for the British economy, especially for the hospitality sector, which estimates a loss of 500 million pounds (580 million euros).
The general secretary of the RMT, Mick Lynch, said this Thursday that union members will continue “with this strike campaign until we get a negotiated agreement that provides job security and a pay increase for our members that copes with the escalating cost of living crisis.”
The United Kingdom is going through a crisis due to the rapid increase in year-on-year inflationwhich stands at 9.1%.
Due to the impact of force measurement, The British Government indicated that it is preparing a bill that will allow companies to hire temporary agency workers to replace employees who join forces.
The legislative project, which the conservative government trusts can be approved in a few weeks, will remove “1970-era restrictions,” It will give “companies freedom” and prevent strikers from “holding the country hostage by paralyzing public services and businesses,” according to Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng.
Claims in various sectors
Countries around the world are being hit by decades-long inflation as the Ukraine war and relaxation of COVID restrictions fuel rising energy and food prices.
Unions also warn that jobs in the rail sector are at risk as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover following the lifting of lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The strikes add to widespread travel chaos, after airlines were forced to cut flights due to staff shortages, leading to long delays and frustrating passengers.
Thousands of workers have been laid off in the aviation industry during the pandemic, and the sector is struggling to rehire workers as travel demand rebounds following the lifting of lockdowns.
The Criminal Lawyers Association, which represents senior lawyers in England and Wales, has voted to strike from next week in a dispute over the funding of legal aid.
Teachers, NHS workers and the postal service are also considering going on strike.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
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Biggest rail strike in 30 years sparks UK traffic chaos, affecting millions of passengers
Source-www.infobae.com