More strikes may hit UK after rail union action: reports

People in the UK could face further disruption to their normal lives as workers in other sectors consider industrial action, according to local media reports, after the UK’s largest rail strike in 33 years.

About 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 13 train operators went on strike on Tuesday resulting in major disruptions for millions of people.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents 115,000 postal workers at Royal Mail, said it was preparing a vote that may result in a strike over a dispute over pay and jobs.

The CWU wants a pay rise for its members in line with the rate of inflation but does not want any conditions attached to the move. The result of the vote will be known by July 19.

Aside from the Royal mail workers, barristers will walk out for several days from Monday over a dispute about legal aid funding.

The walkout is set to seriously set back efforts to clear a massive backlog in the legal system which arose during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health sector could also fall prey to a shutdown as workers from the National Health Service consider a response over grievances regarding their pay.

The issue of pay has also pushed two teachers’ unions on the cusp of a strike vote.
Data from the Bank of England indicated that inflation in the UK stood at nine percent but was predicted to exceed 11 percent in October.

(With input from agencies)