Around 100,000 British civil servants voted to go on strike on Thursday. This vote comes the day after that of nurses working in public health establishments, which represents a first in the United Kingdom.
The main union of civil servants, the PCS (Public and Commercial Services) is demanding a 10% increase in wages. He also asks for commitments on job security, “justice for pensions”, “protected dismissal conditions”.
In London, the underground is paralyzed
The union has warned that unless it receives “substantial proposals” from the government, it will announce a “sustained strike” program on November 18. The government “can no longer treat its workers with contempt,” said union general secretary Mark Serwotka. If the government does not listen to our members, we will have no choice but to launch a protracted program of industrial action affecting all aspects of public life”. “Civil servants have willingly played an essential role in the functioning of the country during the pandemic, but enough is enough,” added the general secretary of the PCS.
Union actions have been linked in recent months in the United Kingdom, hit by record inflation. In London, the subway is paralyzed Thursday by a new social movement.