Strikes need concessions by both sides

WITH Christmas upon us, sadly, there is not much joy to be found. Families are struggling to put together a celebration at a time of rocketing inflation and diminishing spending power.

Nor does the outlook for the coming year look much better as Government, management and unions battle over pay increases.

Sadly, all sides seem to become more entrenched in their positions.

Government, with an eye to the forthcoming General

Election in less than a 100 weeks, is trying to portray itself as being tough on inflation.

The Unions are equally adamant that they must have inflation-related increases, and in the case of the railway and Royal Mail workers, seem unwilling to accept changes to established working practices.

Council employees have accepted a deal that will give their lowest paid workers 10.5% more, and this is in line with pensioners who will receive an additional 10.1%.

It seems that this is about the rate that all sides should be negotiating on.

It does not help the cause if Union leaders such as Mick Lynch and Dave Ward severely criticise their bosses.

They must learn the benefits of tact and diplomacy especially as they are dealing with a government with a proven record of major “U” turns.

They will not get exactly what they want by strident and almost bullying rhetoric, but surely in turn, must concede that management is entitled to scrap outdated working practices.

Equally, Government must not try and kid the electorate that reasonable increases, much closer to current inflation, cannot be conceded due to cost. They conveniently forget to mention that higher remuneration brings benefits in the form of increased overall tax take, a fact they omit from their costings.

I do have some sympathy for nurses, for their pay, as a degree profession, and taking into account the costs of their training, has fallen substantially behind the norm. In any case, Government must surely take into account the settlement that Scottish nurses have accepted.

Despite the grief currently crossing the stage of life, I wish readers a very Happy Christmas.