Hundreds of thousands of teachers and residents are on strike
London With widespread strikes, in Great Britain Hundreds of thousands of teachers and residents fought for higher wages on Wednesday. Employees from several government agencies, university lecturers and employees of the London Underground also took part.
The BBC reported that more than 400,000 public sector workers wanted to take part. The British news agency PA spoke of the largest walkout since the start of the strike wave last year. Several BBC journalists also walked out to protest cuts at local stations.
near Parliament in London, where Treasury Secretary Jeremy Hunt was due to present his budget at noon, rallies were planned. The dispute between unions and the conservative government seems deadlocked.
The head of the PCS union, which represents public sector workers, warned the strikes could last until the end of the year. He called for a fair wage increase. “The government can end these strikes today by putting money on the table for our members,” said PCS chief Mark Serwotka. “40,000 public sector workers use food banks and 45,000 claim benefits because they are so poor.”
Education Minister Gillian Keegan was disappointed. Numerous young people would miss important lessons, the conservative politician wrote in an open letter.
She offered talks to the union on the condition that the strikes be suspended. “But it just seems to be about strikes and unnecessary disruption.” The teachers’ strike is only taking place in England, after progress in negotiations in Wales and Scotland.
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