Britain to the Barricades

Strikes are paralyzing an economy that was already tottering

- Cristina Lindblad

Nurses and ambulance workers across England walked out in record numbers on Feb. 6 in protests over better pay, but strikes are losing their power to shock. Life-disrupting work stoppages have become almost a daily occurrence in Britain—not only across its cherished National Health Service (NHS) but also at railways, schools, courts, airports, delivery offices, passport centers, universities, and museums. For commuters, getting to work is a daily struggle.

Trade unions are demanding more pay for their workers to compensate for inflation, which soared to a 40-year high of 10.5% in the 12 months to December—or more than five times the Bank of England’s 2% target. The steep rise in household bills and energy prices is eating into incomes, leading union leaders to reject pay offers they say don’t keep up with the cost of living.

The Conservative government’s unwillingness, so far, to negotiate wage demands is exacerbating waves of strikes that started with the railways last summer. Union bosses routinely take to the airwaves to berate ministers for failing to engage in talks, while ministers insist their doors are always open, as long as the topic of discussion isn’t this year’s pay.