By Miguel Salas
This month will be a milestone in the UK. Strike waves not seen for years will cover the entire country and mobilize many different sectors.
railroad workers. 40,000 workers were called to strike on the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th.
National Health Service. Nurses and nurses were called to strike on the 15th and 20th. Ambulance drivers had joined, about 15,000 workers. If extended to other professionals, doctors, midwives, physiotherapists, around 300,000 people can be mobilized. The NHS (National Health Service) situation is dire. It is estimated that around 7 million people are on the waiting list. More than 100,000 jobs waiting to be filled. In addition to salary increases, steps are needed to improve the nature of public health.
Post. On the 9th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 23rd and 24th there will be no delivery of letters or postal parcels. About 110,000 workers were called out to strike. The historic Royal Mail was privatized in 2013 and since then its service has not stopped deteriorating, although shareholders continue to receive good dividends.
Eurostar: Rail services connecting the UK with the continent will not operate on the 18th, 22nd and 23rd.
Customs personnel. 8 day strike over Christmas holidays.
London buses broke down on 1 and 3 December and are preparing for a new strike if their demands are not answered.
There was also a so-called strike at passport offices, at transport, at security, at currency exchange offices, driver’s license checkers, firefighters … a wave of mobilization that would resemble a general strike if it coincided with the date. They are all demanding salary increases that are close to inflation.
Nothing less. Inflation hit 11%, a 40-year high, and food inflation hit 16.4%, the highest since 1977. Wages have been stagnant for some time and the situation in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods is worrisome. The Pantry Project, a food bank, denounces that “there are people being fed pet food or who are trying to heat food in radiators or with candles.” Which consumer advocacy organization? decrying that 9 out of 10 consumers are concerned about energy and food prices; 8 out of 10 due to fuel prices and 6 out of 10 due to housing prices.
What is the Conservative government’s response? Use military and special officers to act as counterattacks in sectors they call strategic, transport, ambulance or border, or even, if deemed necessary, militarize some sectors that are on strike.
A busy December for the British working class. A battle announcement that could spread throughout Europe.
“Internet trailblazer. Troublemaker. Passionate alcohol lover. Beer advocate. Zombie ninja.”
