British workers are striking as UK rights come under scrutiny
- Britain has been hit by strikes that have impacted essential services, including health and transport
- UK government eyeing laws that could place new restrictions on the right to peaceful protest
Half a million people could join one of Britain’s biggest strikes in decades next week, as the UK government pushes for new laws that could mean dismissal for essential workers who join in industrial action.
Britain has in recent months been hit by waves of strikes that have shut down or significantly reduced public services, including health and transport.
The next nationwide strike over pay, planned for Wednesday, comes as millions in the UK bear the brunt of the cost of living crisis and double-digit inflation, with nurses among workers resorting to food banks.
This is happening while there is a perceived deterioration of basic civil liberties in the UK. Rights groups say the UK’s Conservative government has curtailed human rights on issues ranging from peaceful protest to an adequate standard of living.
Positions have hardened on both sides with unions claiming the government has not wanted to discuss pay increases.
The government says pay rises would fuel inflation. But unions say more than a decade of cuts has led to depleted services, chronic staff shortages especially in the health sector.
