Sunak condemned for repeating figure about cost of public sector pay demands
GuardianNov 27, 2022
UK Sees Greatest Number of Strikes Since 2011 in October
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Image copyright: Getty Images [via BBC News]
The Facts
The UK — hit by widespread industrial action this year as workers walk out over pay and conditions — recorded a total of 417k working days lost due to labor disputes in October, the highest figure since November 2011.
Workers across a range of sectors have gone on strike in recent months — including rail workers, teachers, postal staff, and lawyers — as inflation, which hit a 41-year high of 11.1% in October, continues to squeeze household budgets.
The Spin
Right narrative
What the UK requires is the firm hand of government to smack down the strikers. Instead of feebly expressing its disappointment, the current administration must take a page out of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher's book by declaring a state of emergency and outlawing strike action in public services. Failure to do so will result in a paralyzed nation, not only disrupting the Christmas festivities but also endangering peoples’ lives.
Left narrative
The strikers represent the only resistance to a never-ending assault on pay, public services, and the health and safety of the masses. The NHS has seen a mass exodus due to privatization, terrible pay, and ever-worsening conditions, resulting in a dangerous deterioration in its quality of care. Meanwhile, the publicly subsidized rail network system has become prohibitively expensive and will become increasingly unsafe due to staff cuts. If the ruling class and their stooges in government get their way, everyone will lose.
