UK PM Rishi Sunak says unions unleashing ‘class warfare’ as Opposition accuses authorities of utilizing ‘scare ways’

As commerce unions name for strikes demanding higher pay, UK PM Rishi Sunak accused them of beginning a “class war”. Meanwhile, the Opposition Liberal Democrats stated the federal government is utilizing “scare tactics” to intimidate the employees.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 19, 2022 10:31 IST

NHS nurses show indicators at a strike exterior St Thomas’ Hospital in London, Britain (Reuters photograph)

By India Today Web Desk: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday slammed commerce unions and accused them of unleashing a “class war” as railway employees, healthcare employees, and border safety workers go on strikes demanding higher pay and dealing situations. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are accusing the federal government of utilizing “scare tactics” to suppress the employees occurring strikes.

The public employees on strike are demanding an increase of their salaries to maintain up with the rising costs. However, the federal government stated it will be too costly. The authorities has made repeated warnings that giving in to union calls for for pay rises will kick Britain into an “inflation spiral”, which in flip would hit the poorest the toughest.

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Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden appeared on a programme on the BBC on Sunday and stated it will not be accountable to extend wages according to inflation. Speaking on the strikes and deliberate walkouts, he stated, “We will be resolute in response to this because it will be irresponsible to allow public sector pay and inflation to get out of control and we owe a wider duty to the public to make sure we keep our public finances under control.”

In response to Dowden’s remark, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Christine Jardine stated, “In the week before Christmas we need more humanity, not less from Oliver Dowden and his government.” She added that holding a discussion with the striking workers should be the government’s move and said, “Instead he spent this morning playing scare tactics with the public and playing politics with the strikes.”

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SERIES OF STRIKES OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON

According to a report by The Independent, an estimated 10,000 NHS nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland plan to walk out again on Tuesday after staging strikes on Thursday.

Two strikes have been planned by the ambulance staff in England and Wales on Wednesday and on 28 December. Meanwhile, the Border Force staff working in passport control are also walking out in periods over Christmas.

Rail strikes are affecting train services across much of the holiday period.

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To cover for the striking workers, the government announced plans to use around 1,200 troops so key services can keep going.

Writing in “The Sun on Sunday”, Rishi Sunak said the trade unions are causing misery for millions with “particularly cruelly timed” strikes over the Christmas vacation interval. He additionally hit out on the Opposition and stated, “Even Labour have admitted the unions’ calls for are unaffordable. But they’re going to nonetheless take union cash and undermine the pursuits of the travelling public. Labour again the Grinches that wish to steal Christmas for their very own political ends. We are doing every thing we are able to to make sure individuals get the Christmas they deserve.”

(With enter from PTI)

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Edited By:

chingkheinganbi mayengbam

Published On:

Dec 19, 2022