With a certain self-rapture,
Margaret Thatcher probably regards the latest developments in the news with a
certain feel of justification.
Yesterday saw the formal
announcement of circulating rumours: that a large number of unions are
proposing planned strikes over the coming winter months, all calculated so as
to hit the average person, and more importantly the government, with the full
force of worker strength.
Four of the largest unions that
operate across the UK have already commenced with their balloting. In order to
fully plan the events and gage the level of support, each of Unison, Unite, GMB
and the Fire Brigades’ Union are starting to draft plans and provide further
information so as to ensure a co-ordinated strike action. Adding to the
severity of this issue, a further ten unions may consider joining the action
according to reports from TUC boss, Mr Brendan Barber.
Such foresight in synchronisation
allows a monopolising of major industries and response units: in turn
paralysing Britain.
Amongst those likely to strike,
disruption comes from nurses, teachers, fire crew services, as well as a great
many other skilled professions. Crippling Britain in this way affects all
branches of life: ensuring need for extra vigilance in case of emergency,
childcare worries and impact on wages earned for the period.
Powder-keg to the sudden outcry
is talks regarding changes to pension schemes. Government proposals wish to
introduce a revamp to the current system from next April so as to reflect on
the growth and sustainability of an elderly generation. With a unanimous vote
against the action from TUC, plans to engage a fight back were quickly moved to
the forefront so as to have the public voice manifest itself for the
government.
Mr Barber promised that the 30th
November would bring "the biggest trade union mobilisation for a
generation".
With the prospect of such
widespread disruption, some may wonder why we have need of trade unions. The
answer, in brief, is that a great many privileges and rights were fought,
gained and now protected by their bargaining work. Gaining prominence in the
Industrial Period, these unions have helped ensure fair wage, safe working
conditions and benefits.
This latest sequence of actions
is thus but a continuation of a dedicated group of committee members. Certain
citizens may see the unions themselves as wasting money in providing a service
that the individual should defend themselves.
Mrs Thatcher could not support
such a notion further. Many of the rebellions and riots that cloud her era of
power are stained with the taste of union blood.
Continuing to live up to this
Tory pragmatic, Chancellor George Osborne branded the proposed movement
"deeply irresponsible".
It is simple logic that there
must be a reform and revolutionising of the pension schemes in place so as to
fully support the mass increase in the over 60 populous. However, such a level
of backlash is undoubtedly unprecedented given the need to overhaul the current
system or risk jeopardising economic recovery in the long-term due to benefit
commitments.
Osborne reasoned that "The
offer on the table is for public sector pensions that are far better than most
in the private sector and fairer to taxpayers." and stubbornly rebuked
action as contradictory to the benefits of the country.
Interestingly, Ed Miliband,
representing the Labour party, has made decisive comments against the action
too. Trade Unions are occasionally referred to as ‘Labour Unions’ due to the
high level of pragmatic and practical similarities. I have heard joke before
that a Labour MP’s speech at a Union conference is almost like the best man
speech of a wedding; this being the esteemed level of comradeship.
However, Mr Miliband has
distanced himself from strike discussions whilst talks are still continuing,
yet despite his best efforts, he has acceded into stating that he would prefer
there not to be any strikes, citing a previous effort in June as “a mistake”.
Risky territory for the coalition
government, Labour needs support from union officials to remain at full
influence as the party can be quite reliant on cash from the union leaders. In
addition, with some sympathetic Lib Dem MPs, it is divisive to the ruling party
in Westminster.
Political repercussions could be
just as severe as economic impact.
Winter blues then are sure to
whistle disruption along for many British, with The GMB's Brian Strutton
advocating: "not [just] a day out and a bit of a protest. We're talking
about something that's long and hard and dirty as well, because this is going
to require days of action running through the winter, through into next year. "
At least Maggie won’t be losing
her four hours of sleep over the issue.
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