The head of one of the UK’s largest transport unions has called for a coordinated strike involving tens of thousands of public sector workers, including teachers, firefighters and nurses, just as interns are considering joining the wave of industrial unrest. .

“We need to maximize our influence and hopefully benefit everyone involved in the dispute,” said Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and National Transport Workers Union. “So they will be teachers, health care. I think the fire department will come soon.”

Lynch was speaking from the picket line on Friday about the fourth of five days of rail strikes that have crippled large parts of Britain’s rail network. “I hope there will be a spirit of coordination,” he added.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government is grappling with a wave of strikes causing widespread disruption of public services. Royal Mail, public transit workers, National Health Service staff, Border Troops and other parts of the civil service went on strike.

Much of the dispute has centered on wages, with workers demanding increases to offset double-digit inflation in Britain.

A union representing young doctors said Friday it would stage a 72-hour strike in March if members vote for the measure in a vote starting next week. Teachers in England and Wales are currently being voted in to strike for pay, and strikes are expected in the coming months if they support it. Tickets close on January 13.

And after striking in December, nurses and ambulance workers are slated to take action again this month.

Talks

So far, the government has refused to offer public sector workers a raise beyond the level suggested by the pay review body, which it says is independent. On Thursday, he invited union bosses to talk about a public sector wage deal next year, but made no mention of this year.

Talks resumed Monday, but Lynch doesn’t expect a breakthrough. Unions have also been angered by the government’s plans to introduce new laws to enforce minimum service levels during strikes.

While the government said the law would be published in the “next few weeks”, an official familiar with the matter said it could be issued as early as Tuesday.

Sunak said Friday he was “hopeful” talks could resume on Monday and that “all” union leaders had been invited.

“I fully believe in the role of trade unions in our society and in their freedom to strike,” Sunak told the media. “But I also think it has to be balanced against the right of ordinary workers to live their lives free from significant disruption.”

nurse

He said the proposed laws would be similar to those in countries such as France, Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile, the Royal College of Nursing has urged the government to pay it “by half”, amid signs of a softer stance ahead of more strikes planned this month.

The union has been pushing for a 19% pay increase for its members, but general secretary Pat Cullen signaled on a Times Radio podcast that he’s ready to make a significant commitment. This means that the RCN may be willing to accept a raise of about 10% to end their dispute.

Cullen urged Sunak and Health Secretary Steve Barclay to “go into a room and meet me halfway. Do whatever is proper for these nurses.

So far, Sunak has followed advice from an independent salary review body, which saw the average nurse’s salary increase by about 4%.

Cullen welcomed the prime minister’s call to discuss next year’s salary deal, but warned on Times Radio that “we need to get something done this year to send a message to the nursing staff in this country that has united us all to be appreciated, but they can also foot the bill.” them and they don’t have to be cut down by going to the food bank.”