Strikes hurt the workers

I have terrible memories of the winter of discontent in 1978-79 – trying to get home in the dark and thick snow at the end of my shift at 9pm on public transport. So while I have every sympathy with the unions and despise this Tory Government (in fact, I’ve never voted Tory), surely there must be something different they can do to resolve the situation? Strikes only hurt the working public who rely on the trains, NHS and other services.

Malcolm Lee, Rossendale Lancs

I hope council leaders and executives read Gordon Brown’s appeal in Saturday’s Mirror and keep public buildings available for struggling families to use if needed this winter. Let’s not forget so many councils are reported to be struggling too. Sylvia Harrop, Ashtonunder-lyne, Tameside