PM accuses trade unions of ‘contempt for people’
THERESA May has lashed out at striking trade unions, accusing them of showing a “shared contempt for ordinary people” in the wave of industrial action taking place across the UK.
No 10 also made clear that the Prime Minister had not ruled out strengthening trade union laws to make industrial action in essential services harder but insisted at present her focus was sorting out the current disputes.
A spokesman said: “There are a number of strikes across different sectors and they are all for a number of different reasons. But if these strikes share one thing in common it’s a shared contempt for ordinary people trying to go about their daily lives.”
He stressed how the strike action was designed to cause maximum disruption.
Asked if more legislation could be introduced in light of the current strikes, the spokesman replied: “Nothing will be ruled out.”
Some 3,000 Crown Post Office employees walked out this week while BA workers plan to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The strike at Crown post offices has closed around 50 of 300 High Street branches. But a Royal Mail spokesman said: “Deliveries will carry on as normal and the last posting dates for Christmas remain unchanged.”
Unite members employed by Swissport as baggage handlers and other ground staff at 18 airports across the UK are set to walk out on Friday and Saturday over pay, although talks will also be held at Acas today.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, pointed out that all the strikes were for different reasons and that the focus should be on the root causes.