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GuardianNov 25, 2022
UK: 1.2K Troops to Cover for Striking Ambulance Drivers, Border Force Staff
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The Facts
The British government on Sunday announced it would be sending military personnel to cover for striking ambulance staff in England and border staff across the UK, as multiple trade unions are set to hold industrial action over the Christmas holiday period.
At least 1.2K troops will plug staffing gaps to keep front-line services running, as nurses and ambulance drivers are set to walk out towards the end of December. In addition, more than 1K civil servants are expected to cover for striking Border Force staff, as members of the Public and Commercial Services union are planning to cease work between December 23 and New Year's Eve.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Soldiers are no substitute for trained nurses. Instead of spending hours making notionally "tried and tested" contingency plans, the government could better use their time and resources to get around the negotiating table and prevent the strikes from taking place.
Pro-establishment narrative
Striking workers want deals that will pinch the UK taxpayers hardest. Bowing to their unreasonable demands will set a precedent, allowing public sector pay to get out of control. The government must refrain from upping pay offers despite the threat of further industrial action in the new year.
Narrative C
It's perilous to rely on the military as the ultimate backstop. Trade unions and the government must find a way through negotiations, as their ego issues risk lives, add to the military's burden, and leave industrial disputes unresolved.
