Given the probability of a wave of strikes following government spending cuts, the organisation which represents the interests of the business world has called for new rules governing the conditions which need to be met for a strike to be legal.
John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general (pictured), said: “It is inherently right that people have the right to withdraw their labour, but our view is there needs to be a pretty high bar if there is going to be a withdrawal.”
Whilst the unions were quick to rail against the suggestion that their actions should need any more justification, the fact remains that public patience with those in the employ of the government, or who receive large amounts of government subsidy, who then choose to cause trouble and disruption over pay and conditions, is wearing thin.
Rail workers must be realistic – the last decade has seen unbridled government spending which has put the entire nation in a state of economic collapse. We must now stop acting in such as irresponsible way and that will mean tough choices will have to be made.
Additionally, of course everyone should have the right to protest against unfair working conditions, but we must also do this in a reasonable manner and bear in mind the situation of thousands of others in the private sectors who face the same prospects, without the facility to strike at all.
