World

U.K. Unions Plan Massive 750,000-Worker Strike for Thursday

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of British schools will close and travelers will face long lines at airport immigration this week when three quarters of a million workers go on strike – the first blast in what unions hope will be a summer of discontent against the cost-cutting government’s austerity plans.

The government hopes it will fizzle into a summer of hardheaded acceptance.

The first test comes Thursday, when 750,000 public-sector workers – from teachers to driving examiners to customs officials – walk out for the day, part of a growing wave of opposition to the Conservative-led government’s deficit-cutting regime of tax hikes, benefit curbs and spending cuts.

The U.K. Border Agency has warned travelers could face delays at British ports and airports when passport officers walk out, and said “passengers who can do so may wish to travel on other dates.” The agency says there is no risk to Britain’s security.

The unions say the strike is just the start of a campaign of labor action on a scale unseen in Britain for three decades.

“On Thursday we will see hundreds of thousands of civil and public servants on strike,” said Mark Serwotka, leader of the Public and Commercial Services Union. “We fully expect to be joined by millions more in the autumn.”

The government insists everyone must share the pain as it cuts 80 billion pounds ($130 billion) from public spending to reduce the huge deficit, swollen after Britain spent billions bailing out foundering banks. It is cutting civil service jobs and benefits, raising the state pension age from 65 to 66, hiking the amount public sector employees contribute to pensions and reducing the payouts they get on retirement.

The government says the measures are tough but fair, and is gambling that the public will blame unions for any inconvenience caused by the strikes.

“The public have a very low tolerance for anything that disrupts their hardworking lifestyles,” said Education Secretary Michael Gove. He said the strike would hurt “the respect in which teachers should be held.”

That’s not entirely the case at school gates, where some parents are sympathetic to the teachers.

“I think this `all in it together’ is a nonsense line,” said Bertie Miller, an advertising executive dropping off his daughter at a London primary school. “We’re patently not all in it together. Start with the bankers. Start at the top, and then take it out of teachers’ pensions if we need to.”

While some British trade unions – such as those representing London subway drivers – have a reputation for frequent strikes, their public sector counterparts are traditionally moderate. There has not been a national strike by teachers since the 1980s, and one of the unions, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, has never been on strike in its 127-year history.

Their leaders say they have no choice. They say their members work many years for modest pay, on the promise of a solid pension, and accuse the government of reneging on that deal.

In many ways, conditions are not favorable for the unions. Britain is not Greece, shocked into outrage by financial crisis. The economy remains week as it emerges from recession, but the general mood is one of apprehension rather than anger.

Even the opposition Labour Party, the union movement’s ostensible ally, is advising against strikes. Labour leader Ed Miliband wrote on his blog Tuesday that the walkouts were “a mistake” and “a sign of failure on both sides.”

Craig Phelan, a professor of modern history at Kingston University, says attitudes have changed dramatically since the 1980s, when unions took on Thatcher‘s government in grinding conflicts like a yearlong miners’ strike – and lost. Then, more than 13 million Britons were union members. Now the figure is about 7 million.

Now, he said, when people think of unions they think of London subway drivers, “holding a city hostage for what seem like insignificant demands.”

“People see unions as something other, someone who wants to take their money, someone who wants to inconvenience them, someone who doesn’t want to work as hard as they do,” Phelan said.

It’s a hard attitude for unions to overturn, and they are moving with caution. Thursday’s strike – a single day, near the end of the school year – will cause only limited disruption.

Unions and the government are still trying to resolve their differences. They met for talks on Monday, and plan more next month.

But union leaders sense a mood of anger among their members. Dave Prentis, general secretary of the million-strong Unison union, has predicted more strikes in the autumn, as workers react to a “perfect storm” of pay freezes and lower pensions.

And the unions are making new allies in the anti-capitalist and anti-cuts movements that have sprung up over the last year.

U.K. Uncut, a group that has staged sit-ins at banks and companies it accuses of tax-dodging, has held talks with union leaders about joining protests on Thursday. Students – who have held their own demonstrations over fee hikes – are expected to join picket lines, as well as holding their own sit-ins and occupations.

It’s a potentially risky strategy for the unions. A huge union demonstration drew more than 250,000 people in London on March 26, the largest protest for almost a decade – but media coverage focused on a handful of self-described anarchists who smashed shop windows, spray-painted graffiti and pelted police with bottles.

But it’s also a chance to show they remain relevant in an era of flashmobs and Twitter-fueled protest.

“Unions are still embedded in the fabric of British institutional life,” Phelan said. “They have never disappeared. Are they poised for a revival? It’s difficult to say, but you can see signs.”

Comments (87)

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  • dave101sport
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:47am

    seriously those of you referencing the war 200 years ago are no different than the african americans that still go on about slavery. It happened, get over it, you wasnt part of it “shut up!”.I bet 90% of u on here dont even know what it would take to pick up arms against your brother. the whole world is going to the crapper and all you do is sit online and whine like a 4 yo. You pride yourself on freedom of choice, then slate another country when their choice is not the one you would make. I used to like Glenn and he has some good ideas, but this site is really just a bunch of people talking nasty about fellow human beings. You seriously need to step back aand take a look at yourselves. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU!! remember them words, im sure he meant everyone not just the people you agree with. rant over God bless

    Report Post »  
  • last frontier
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:40am

    Thank YOU! UK non-workers, you are going to help Americans who don’t pay attention to see how corrosive Unions really are for a country, once again THANK YOU!

    Report Post » last frontier  
    • Factory_Hag
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:36am

      The article says that although people at the airport will be walking out (at immigration and passports), that security will be fine. What about screening? If they are Unionized, we should watch this. It’s an example of what could happen here. They can grope kiddies and old ladies and say it has to be done for security, but whenever they feel slighted, they can walk away from the job. What about baggage handlers?

      Report Post »  
  • oldchevyguy
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:40am

    The UK should put out a notice that if government workers do not show up thursday,the government will take that as their resignation.

    Report Post »  
  • cassandra
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:26am

    Hitler is alive a well working with the unions in the UK, what a stupid country, don’t they know history,look at what Hitler did in Germany with the help of the unions

    Report Post »  
  • georgeisn6
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:23am

    The communist goverments of USSR andCHINA combined , starved one hundred million of there own people in order to prove that that system would not work. then they turned to capitalism. How many million do we have to starve to convince ourselves that communism dose not work?

    Report Post »  
  • rushyoungberg
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:15am

    This will happen in the U.S. in early 2012. The mexicans will be violent in the border states. Unions will go after Kasich, Christie and Walker. The teachers will have massive walkouts and will bring children to their rallies. Blacks will hit the streets with union thugs in the large urban cities. Trumpka will coordinate with the UK and Greece to put together an EU and American union coalitiion. The New Black Panthers will be out in force. The Black Congress will block the peoples’ business. Moslems will inflame Christians. This will be an allout war by the unions. Obama is hoping for violence that he will use to call out the National Guard, hoping for justification of Martial Law and suspension of Congress. The GOP had better plan for this. Whites had better not retaliate. Obama sees this as a watershed moment in American history. He will not go quietly.

    Report Post » rushyoungberg  
    • cassandra
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:41am

      you are so right the muslims will work with the unions to bring down this country so obummer can state an emergency to take over,the muslims are putting more and more of their own in our government,who said the muslims will take over with the womb of their women, they will out number us soon, they come here and still have more than one wife, only their other wives go on wellfare so we the people (WELLFARE) system will pay for this to happen, go to you-tube and see the unions working with the protestors in the middle east

      Report Post »  
  • Daddy Hawg
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:13am

    Pay attention to the way this pans out because we in the US are headed toward the same end. With a debt soon to exceed GDP without spending control we will be there and it will be ugly. Greece’s debt is at 101% of GDP and they are also looking at austerity measures; see what is happening there. Be aware and be perpared for what could happen here soon.

    Report Post » Daddy Hawg  
  • georgeisn6
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:12am

    Unions and the public school’s have indocrinated the people with the mind set that they can have their cake and eat it to. Now these poor dopes will starve to death to prove this point. [ THERE IS NO MORE CAKE FOLKS.]

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:03am

    Will anyone notice if union workers don’t show up for work? The same amount of work will be done.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • MikeinIdaho
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:47am

    Fire them all, break the unions and let them squack with no money at all. Let’s see how long that lasts. Enough is enough, stop the madness, the spending and the unions!

    Report Post » MikeinIdaho  
  • Pattondog
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:28am

    well if employment is an issue, than thier should be 750,000 jobs to be filled. striking should be illegal.
    and if a company decides to move its operation to a geography that doesnt have union influence they should be free to do so, particulary if it makes the company more efficien too. Mcboeing

    Report Post »  
  • GoldenRudy
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:25am

    Gee, I thought the UK unions had already done enough damage by ruining the automotive industry and motorcycle industry in the UK. Guess not.

    Report Post » GoldenRudy  
  • ZZero
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:17am

    Pay close attention to how this runs down. Our unions can be very encouraged by this and they have the media’s support. It would make great press and huge viewer ratings for them to have another crisis at home. I don’t expect a lot of objectivism in their stories.
    As there are only 72 hours of supplies on our grocery shelves you should consider being able to ride something like this out if it comes our way and lasts a while. Our food and fuel supply will be at the mercy of union production, transport, and access. Glad Wal MArt is still not unionized it may become the buffer.

    Report Post » ZZero  
  • MercyMe
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:39am

    I’m sure they will have no problem filling every single job after they fire the whole lot of them.

    It may be somewhat inconvenient at first but well worth it in the end.

    America should then follow their lead.

    Report Post » MercyMe  
  • ConstitutionalPatriot
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:38am

    I find it interesting that the Union claims ‘Millions’ of union members will strike in the fall after this supposed 750,000 union member strike tomorrow. It is interesting that a country smaller than Louisiana in size can have MILLIONS of government union workers?? No wonder they are bankrupt!! Yup this is what Socialist Democracy looks like!

    Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
    • dave101sport
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:15am

      they are not government union workers. they are union members.

      Report Post »  
  • MercyMe
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:37am

    Add your comments

    Report Post » MercyMe  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:32am

    The British I knew there was a reason we told them to take a flying leap over 200 years ago, I guess the founders figured it out to!

    Report Post »  
  • blacksmith78
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:30am

    Maybe we should just look at this as a union imposed furlough. No work no pay …. now how many of these to we need to make a dent in the problem. When it comes right down to it, there is very little that we can’t do with out for a few days here and there.

    Report Post »  
  • I_Hate_Libs
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:19am

    750,000 people are about to get fired and then hire the other 750,000 on welfare. Problem solved.

    The horror of the Democrat mind.

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:18am

    This is a good example of why it is so dangerous to have public workers unionize. Another huge problem is that the unions contribute huge amounts to politicians who once elected are the same ones who negotiate the union’s contracts. That is way the public workers are driving so many states into bankruptcy. One final not for the liberal union stooges, even FDR was strongly opposed to public workers being unionized.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:05am

    More power to them, then off with their heads!!

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:03am

    Fire everyone on strike and replace them with the 18% of grecians that are unemployed. and hire these new people under a more cost effective structural system. Problem solved let tell the strikers to just keep on striking.

    Report Post »  
    • Southernguy
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:10am

      Yep, and after they start tearing the city apart, let the fun begin. Put down the tear gas and go with live rounds……it’s much more effective ;)

      Report Post » Southernguy  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:15am

      The Brits will never use live rounds. Heck, the morons don’t even give cops guns over there. They will just watch as they tear stuff apart. They always do.

      Report Post »  
    • Southernguy
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:24am

      @Mil Dot……….I forgot, lmaoooooooooooo

      Report Post » Southernguy  
  • Aaron in Polk County
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:02am

    I would fire everyone of them. Every Single One of them.

    That would also solve the Union problem for the school system.

    Then take two months to interview and rehire teachers as individuals, not union members.

    I am just a problem solver. Don’t hate me.

    Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:21am

      Wow, Aaron, that’s very Ronald Reagan of you. I’m surprised considering some of your beliefs.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Scrubpuppy
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:42am

      Right on, brother.

      Report Post »  
    • ClassicalLiberal
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Good Answer.

      Report Post » ClassicalLiberal  
    • 912anita
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 6:52pm

      We also need to take away the feds control of the education system . Give it back to the states and local districts where teachers would have control and be able to teach again.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:01am

    .
    Wow Jolly old England not……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:14am

      .
      Guinness Book will be on hand to certify the World’s Largest Circle Jerk…

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:01am

    Fire them all. Break the unions. Legislate them out of existence. It‘s hard but we’re starting to do it here in Wisconsin.

    Report Post »  
    • Larry Notes
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:17am

      Break them up

      Report Post » Larry Notes  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:19am

      Exactly,do what Reagan did to the air traffic controlers. And if America wants to avoid this we need to abolish federal and government unions THROUGH LEGISLATION NOW.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:19am

      I agree, fire the socialist crybabies who don’t realize, or care, their country is broke. Apparently Greece looks good to them and they want the UK to be the same.

      Take a look at the UK’s debt ratios. http://usdebtclock.org/world-debt-clock.html

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:21am

      As tax payers we need the right go on strike. No money…..no public unions
      The NTD (no tax dollars) I bet you can come up with something better to call it ???????

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:23am

      Watch for the same things to happen here in America sooner than anyone will expect; especially if the administration decides to remain so obstinant on the budget and debt talks. I can see the case in which Mr Obama and his cronies declare the country incapable of repaying its debts to make the final shove/shoot to collapse the entire country into their flames of a nightmare utopia.

      This mess going on will be used here by the socialist progressives to cause pressure, pressure and more pressure from the bottom up, top down and inside out.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:25am

      Hey Jumbles
      Is this going to delay the delivery of your welfare check??The ******* have scammed the British Taxpayers for a while now. Better raise taxes on the Rich and the Royals, so that your freeloader class can survive. The hearts of oak are rotting fast.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:27am

      I agree TED .. FIRE THEM .. we should do the same here starting with UNION Gov’t workers .. which really is a oxymoron.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Mick1140
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 8:49am

      Agree…

      Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:42am

      My Thoughts exactly. FRE THEM A!!!
      I’m sure for every person that goes out on strike, there are 10 people who would love to have his or her job.

      And this, coming to the US soon!

      Report Post » randy  
    • discardofevil
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:45am

      What is wrong with People! Grow up and start taking care of yourself! No one should rely on their gov’t. to take care of them!

      Report Post »  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 9:54am

      Well, this certainly ought to help their economy recover. The socialists are looking more and more like they want the whole system to cave in and their doing it at the expense of the useful idiot workers. Dolts!

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • MASTER YODA
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 10:01am

      It‘s a shame the liberal British left doesn’t get as outraged at the muslim hoards taking over their country. That country is really messed up. Bye bye grand old great Brittan. Hello new neo muslim state.

      Report Post » MASTER YODA  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 11:05am

      If it happens here, perhaps I could be hired as a replacement. I don’t play by whiny union rules. Just want some good honest work.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • drphil69
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 12:36pm

      Why is it that when the union thugs turn violent the response is a bunch of police pushing against them with shields? Wouldn’t a few rounds from a 50 cal stop the thugs immediately??

      Report Post »  
    • Luckywon
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 1:39pm

      Why do these people not get it??? Look at Greece! This is the greatest social experiment/Disaster of our day unfolding before our very eyes. If Greece votes yes on the austerity bill this week to save their country…. the people will riot and destroy their country. If they vote NO on the austerity bill, then they destroy their country. Greece cannot win. How can the world NOT SEE how they got there? It’s SOCIALISM PEOPLE! Coming to a country near you!. Wake up and save yourselves. Socialism has never worked, can never work, and will never work. Greece will fall, followed by the rest of Europe and then America.

      Report Post »  
    • 912anita
      Posted on June 29, 2011 at 6:48pm

      You go Wisconsin – lead

      Report Post »  
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