UK Strikes: 'Summer of dissatisfaction' has arrived in Britain, there is a possibility of a flurry of strikes
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Inflation in the UK stood at 9.1 per cent in May, according to the latest government data released on Wednesday. Food and fuel inflation remained above this average as well. According to experts, everyday life has become difficult due to inflation.
After the start of the rail strike in Britain, now teachers, medical workers, sweepers and employees of many industries have also threatened to go on strike. Troubled by the inflation of food items and fuel in the country, all these workers are demanding higher wages. This is the first time in three decades that there has been a rail strike in Britain. Railway employees on Tuesday went on strike in support of their demand for hike in wages and better service conditions. Earlier, the ongoing talks between the employees union and the government to avert the strike had failed on Monday. The workers went on strike on Tuesday. After that they will go on strike on Thursday and Saturday.
The last rail strike happened 30 years ago
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, when the last rail strike took place 30 years ago, the union was successful in getting an 8.8 percent increase in the wages of the employees. This time more than 40 thousand employees have taken the path of strike. These include personnel associated with signal, maintenance and network rail.
In Britain, railways were privatized in the 1990s. Today 13 private companies operate trains on different lines. The government and private companies claim that the railways has already received a subsidy of 16 billion pounds. Railway operations cost £20 billion annually, while fares generate only £4 billion. According to the operating companies, trains are running at full capacity after the lockdown at the time of Corona epidemic, but passengers are still not using the same number of train services as before. Due to this the income from rent has further decreased.
Trade unions claim that due to rising inflation in the country, it is not possible for railway employees to live on old wages. At the same time, the unions have said that during the epidemic, the employees played on their lives and continued the train services. Now that contribution of his must be acknowledged.
Inflation rate 9.1 percent in May
According to economists, inflation in Britain is at a 40-year high. Inflation in the UK stood at 9.1 per cent in May, according to the latest government data released on Wednesday. Food and fuel inflation remained above this average as well. According to experts, everyday life has become difficult due to inflation. Portfolio manager Paul Craig told TV channel CNBC- 'The disappointing thing is that the cost of living crisis is not going to end soon.'
This crisis is being said to be the reason for the discontent that has arisen in many people's groups in Britain. One result of this has come in the form of rail strike. Soon workers from many other sectors may also go on strike. Such a scene of discontent in Britain has not been seen in the last three-four decades. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that the strikes would hurt business. That will make the situation worse. According to media reports, Johnson and his government are under deep pressure from the discontent raging this summer.