A wave of industrial action is causing significant disruption in the UK in 2023 with workers in many different industries going on strike. A few workers that are striking this year include nurses, ambulance drivers, physiotherapists, teachers, rail workers and Royal Mail workers. This is having a noticeable impact on daily life for many and there will likely be more coordinated action in the weeks to come. This post will tell you all that you need to know about the strikes in the UK.
Why Workers are Going on Strike
Workers in many sectors are going on strike right now and this is for a few different reasons. Of course, pay is a major factor and many are striking because they are seeing a real terms pay cut and finding it hard to make ends meet as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Many are seeking a pay rise in line with inflation or at least more money than they are currently being offered. In addition to this, jobs and working conditions are contributing factors to why so many are striking in 2023. Many of these public sector workers also feel let down by the government after being hailed as heroes during COVID-19.
How are Strikes Affecting Daily Life
With so many workers striking, many are finding aspects of their daily life to be affected. Train travel is proving to be challenging and even non-strike days can be difficult, post is taking a lot longer to be delivered and schools across the country are being forced to close. Of course, the healthcare strikes are also a major cause for concern – the NHS is still operational during the strikes, but services are limited and people are encouraged to only seek care in an emergency. The NHS waiting list has dwarfed to over 7 million people, which is leading to many undiagnosed illnesses and is likely to increase medical negligence claims like birth injuries.
What the Government is Doing About Strikes
The Government’s response to industrial action has drawn a huge amount of criticism. Unions are accusing the government of not being willing to negotiate, which is likely to lead to further action. In addition to this, the government is also introducing controversial new laws that will require minimum levels of service to be maintained during strike action. Trade unions are calling this an attack on workers’ rights and is only creating more tension between the government and trade unions.
Industrial action is causing serious disruption to life in 2023 and there is a lot more planned action to come. Workers in many sectors are striking due to pay disputes during the cost-of-living crisis, but also because of jobs and working conditions. Tensions remain high and it is unclear what or when any kind of resolution will be found.