Finally, we have a government that listens to the people. No sooner had I bemoaned Cost-a-Bob Crow’s self-proclaimed ‘right’ to live in a council house at council house prices than the government announced their plan to evict richer tenants, in the hope that they would find something more suitable in their price range and to free up necessary housing for people who a) need it and b) deserve it.
I’m sure though that this isn’t the only thing worrying the old crow this week. Vince Cable has announced plans to curb the striker’s ability to disrupt travel services on a regular basis as RMT boss.
While some trade unions make me uncomfortable I am actually a member of one (NUJ), and not opposed to responsible striking. But current rules mean that by getting a few members on side – a small minority of the larger membership – a strike may be staged, often with a disastrous effect on the economy and the working public. This cannot be right.
The public are not opposed to strikes but it is the manner in which they are undertaken. It is not fair that the few at the top of the union ladder can decide for the majority. It is for this reason that I supported Dominic Raab’s attempt to derail the likes of Bob Crow from striking on a whim with little support. His Bill, which advocated that the majority should be on board for strike action to occur, was eventually defeated by 170 Labour MPs - but the sentiment still rings true.
Back in April he cited the examples of the Chartists, telling the House:
"I wonder what those heroic campaigners would have made of some recent strikes over travel perks, annual bonuses and the right to retire at 50. Despite a massive expansion of health and safety regulation and employment law, Britain is still episodically held hostage by a vocal minority led by militant union bosses."
The GMB union have decried Vince Cable’s moves against strike action outlined during his awkward speech at their annual conference, threatening action if strict new regulations are enforced. Considering that the union has 600,000 members, the prospect is hugely worrying. 1 in 32 of all UK employees, they proudly proclaim, is a member. Can you imagine the damage that would be caused if they all down tools?
Isn’t it time the disgruntled public sector put down their placards and faced up to the fact that the cuts have come for a reason. If their beloved Labour Party hadn’t left the country drowning in debt, the Coalition would not have been left with this solution (which has now been backed by the IMF, I’ll have you know) which has meant cuts are unfortunately one of the catalysts for recovery.
The public sector seem to think that they are the only ones affected by all this. It’s time for them to wake up - the whole country is feeling the burn. Their complaint? Paying more and working longer for their pension package. Welcome to the club.
Instead of the constant upheaval of the country at every strike action day, why don’t they see it as a last resort? Can’t they at least provide a limited service as a courtesy call for those affected by their actions? Or make sure the majority want this before they jump ahead with their unpopular cause?
Everyone has the right to stand up against their work conditions but it seems strikes are being taken to protect and preserve privileges and positions that are no longer held in the private sector.
Perhaps if unionists really wanted to get their message across, and want it to be listened, then they should exercise the power of the press. Get the red tops on board, protest peacefully and in large numbers but, crucially, keep working and it might just pay off. The fourth estate is far more effective than inconveniences as out-of-service train and underground services or short-staffed schools. Union leaders should see that annoying, irritating and angering the public is not the way to get opinion on your side – and without public support the unions will not extract any concessions from the Government. Maybe we should let ordinary union members explain their case, not figures like Crow. Let them tell us why they’re frustrated and angry, and maybe we’ll find a solution.
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