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Thousands of disgruntled workers are gearing up to down tools and walkout as they re-ignite their campaigns for better pay.
Recent plans for industrial action across numerous sectors had to be hastily abandoned after the Queen’s death was announced.
But with the national period of mourning now over and few resolutions seemingly in the pipeline, unions say they remain fully prepared to do battle with bosses to get their members adequate wage rises that will keep up with the cost of living.
From barristers to BT workers – here’s a run down of the industrial disputes expected in the coming days and weeks and how they might affect you.
Train drivers and railway workers
Three train strikes have so far been announced for October, after September’s walkouts were cancelled as a mark of respect.
Services are expected to grind to a near-halt when train drivers, represented by ASLEF, launch two 24-hour walkouts on Saturday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 5.
On Saturday, October 1 they will also be joined by more than 30,000 RMT members employed by both Network Rail and 12 train operating companies – a move set to disrupt services across the UK.
The RMT will then stage a second strike on Saturday, October 8, which is again expected to cancel numerous weekend services.
London Marathon runners and spectators are among those likely to see their travel plans disrupted with the first of October’s strikes happening just hours before the start of the race that is expected to involve more than 40,000 people in the capital.
999 operators and BT Workers
Hundreds of 999 call centre staff are set to join BT workers in strike action in October, the Communications union (CWU) has confirmed.
Around 40,000 BT Group employees will strike on October 6, 10, 20 and 24 in a dispute over pay.
The CWU said it expects 400 workers that are working as 999 emergency call handlers to also take part as the union strengthens its demands. Up until now they have been left out of strike action to avoid placing additional pressure on emergency services.
“We intend to serve notice on BT Group today for four days of strike action during October,” CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr told a national meeting of branch delegates in central London. “And we intend to up the ante – so we’ll remove all emergency cover and pull out 999 operators.”
Royal Mail
Royal Mail workers who are members of the Communication Workers Union will walk out on September 30 and October 1.
Customers are being warned to expect ‘significant disruption’ to deliveries across the two days but Royal Mail says it will do what it can to keep things running.
Barristers
Thousands of criminal cases are said to be being delayed by striking barristers who have now been on an indefinite walkout for more than 22 weeks.
The Criminal Bar Association wants to see a 25% increase in legal aid fees for representing defendants who otherwise could not afford lawyers.
Industrial action by the profession first started back in April, with a series of shorter strikes happening throughout spring and summer. The current walkout is expected to make worse existing court delays, while ministers have described the action as ‘irresponsible’ but the CBA says it is trying to protect the long-term future of the service and the profession.
Nurses and firefighters
Both nurses and firefighters are expected to vote this month as to whether they too want to go out on strike.
The Royal College of Nursing had intended to open strike votes in mid-September, and is encouraging members to say yes, but these ballots were delayed by the Queen’s death. Its postal vote will now open on October 6 and close on November 2.
A similar vote by the Fire Brigades Union is also expected in October after it encouraged its members to reject a pay offer from the government, which it claim amounted to a pay cut considering the cost of living pressures.
Firefighters went on strike over pensions almost a decade ago while their last lengthy strike over pay took place 20 years ago back in 2002.
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