Public sector strike action in response to the wave of public spending cuts that will follow the 2010 general election is "inevitable" (external website), according to PCSU general secretary Mark Serwotka.
In an interview with the Guardian, Serwotka observes that swingeing
public spending cuts are inevitable, no matter which party (or potential
coalition of parties in the event of a hung parliament) wins the 2010
general election. Job losses are consequently likely. He says:
Earlier this year, Conservative leader David Cameron promised a hardline stance on trade unions if he is elected in the 2010 general election.
XpertHR offers extensive practical guidance for employers on dealing with unions, including the following (subscription required):
The choice in this election is who's least worst.Serwotka argues that public sector unions should therefore plan for action to protect jobs now:
[W]e all know it's coming. Therefore, what would be irresponsible is to wait till it comes. So what we're calling for is the public sector unions to get together now, and start preparing the defence. Do I think that will involve industrial action? I think that it's inevitable. Do I think that industrial action has more chance of success if unions do it together? Absolutely. I think it will be a fatal mistake if each union was left to try and defend its individual sector, where the chances of them succeeding are small.Serwotka is not the only union leader expecting to see public sector industrial election after the election. At the start of this month, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber warned in an interview with the Times that there are "very real risks" of further public sector strike action in response to planned public spending cuts in the aftermath of the election. According to Barber:
If there are serious cuts in public spending and in vital public services, then there are very real risks of some very difficult disputes. Whoever wins the next general election will have to think very carefully before they reach for the axe and what that will mean not only for pay and living standards but for the quality of services that the public sector delivers.
Earlier this year, Conservative leader David Cameron promised a hardline stance on trade unions if he is elected in the 2010 general election.
XpertHR offers extensive practical guidance for employers on dealing with unions, including the following (subscription required):
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