Wave of strikes that could cripple the country

NURSES, teachers, postmen, firemen and train drivers could soon conduct ‘the biggest wave of industrial action in a generation’, union bosses warned yesterday.

Dave Prentis, the head of Unison, said workers are close to breaking point after years of pay restrictions as a result of the recession.

Mr Prentis, who represents 1.3million public sector workers, said: ‘The pressure just builds up and eventually, like a pressure cooker, the lid blows off.’

It is his ‘very, very strong view’ that there will be ‘major action around pay’ before the latest negotiations finish next April, he added. The Rail and Maritime Transport union is one of several that have already promised to take part in any such co-ordinated strike.

Bob Crow, the RMT’s general secretary, said: ‘The building blocks are in place for the biggest wave of industrial action in a generation.’

Firemen have already threatened to strike over pension changes, while teachers are planning regional walk-outs for next month. Postal workers are also expected to strike, as the Government prepares its controversial privatisation of Royal Mail.

In addition, Unite – which has 1.4million members – is set to call for ‘a national campaign of opposition to austerity and its consequences’. It describes ‘mass action’ as seen ‘in Greece, France, Spain and other countries in Europe’.

Speaking in Bournemouth at the opening of the Trades Union Congress, Frances O’Grady, the TUC’s new general secretary, said she is prepared to mastermind a joint strike plan.

‘These are just causes,’ she said. ‘It is my job to co-ordinate these efforts.’