Britain is witnessing a historic shift on its railways. After nearly 30 years of fragmented private rail franchises, the government has begun renationalising the network, starting with South Western Railway (SWR) in May 2025. Enabled by the newly enacted Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, this move delivers on a long-promised commitment to fix a broken system and put passengers—not profits—at the heart of our transport infrastructure.
This article explores why bringing rail back into public hands offers greater accountability, efficiency, and value. It sets out how renationalisation addresses decades of failure under privatisation, while responding to public concerns about cost and service quality.
The Failures of Rail Privatisation
When the UK railways were privatised in the mid-1990s, the public was promised cheaper fares, improved service, and a lighter burden on taxpayers. In practice, privatisation failed on every front.
Fares rose far faster than wages, with British commuters paying significantly more than their European counterparts. Infrastructure investment was inconsistent, and early safety incidents—including fatal crashes—highlighted the dangers of outsourcing to fragmented private contractors.
Public subsidy to the railways tripled during privatisation, while profits continued to flow to shareholders. Multiple operators collapsed, requiring government bailouts. A fragmented system of operators led to poor integration, delays, and confusion for passengers.
A New Legislative Framework
The Passenger Railway Services Act 2024 provides the legal foundation for returning passenger rail services to public ownership as private contracts expire. SWR became the first major franchise to make the transition. Others—including c2c and Greater Anglia—will follow, with all franchises renationalised by the end of 2027.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the SWR transition as “a new dawn for our railways.” Early estimates suggest renationalisation will save around £150 million annually—money now available for reinvestment in services, staffing, and infrastructure.
Great British Railways: One Network, One Vision
Central to the reforms is the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), a single, publicly accountable body to manage both operations and infrastructure. GBR will replace the fragmented model with unified planning, scheduling, ticketing, and investment strategies.
This integrated approach will eliminate duplication and confusion, allowing passengers to benefit from clearer timetables, simpler fares, and better-coordinated services. GBR also creates a single point of accountability and oversight, ending the “blame game” that plagued the previous system.
Why Public Ownership Works
1. Accountability and Public Focus Decisions will be guided by service quality, safety, and access—not shareholder return. Public ownership ensures railways are run in the national interest, with transparency and democratic oversight.
2. Reinvestment of Surplus Profits can be reinvested in the railway, not paid out in dividends. Public ownership removes franchise fees and shareholder returns, allowing funds to go directly into improvements for passengers.
3. Integration and Efficiency With one public body in charge, planning becomes streamlined. Infrastructure upgrades, maintenance schedules, and service expansions can be coordinated without the inefficiencies of multiple private operators.
4. Better Treatment of Staff Public ownership offers the chance to improve working conditions, end outsourcing, and promote stable industrial relations. A motivated workforce delivers better outcomes for passengers.
5. Environmental Goals Rail is a low-carbon mode of transport. A publicly run railway can align directly with national climate policies, investing in electrification, cleaner technologies, and greener infrastructure.
Addressing Public Concerns
Cost to taxpayers: The state was already heavily subsidising rail under privatisation. Renationalisation eliminates inefficiencies, cuts out profit extraction, and offers better value for money.
Service quality and fares: While immediate fare cuts aren’t guaranteed, reinvestment and integration will stabilise the system and improve services. Over time, these reforms should lead to better reliability, customer experience, and potentially fairer pricing.
Conclusion
Renationalising South Western Railway is more than a managerial change—it’s a decisive realignment of transport policy. With SWR as the first step and GBR leading the way, Britain is moving toward a railway that serves the public first and foremost.
This is a chance to fix the system, modernise it, and rebuild trust. With proper investment, oversight, and a clear commitment to public service, our railways can once again become a national asset—reliable, affordable, and fit for the future.
Welcome to Union News, your guide to what’s happening in the UK trade union and labour movement. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. This week: ASLEF Train Drivers Begin More Strike Action, Jobcentre Security Guards Stage 24-Hour Strike Over Pay Dispute, Disability Rights Advocates Slam Government’s Controversial PIP Overhaul, and finally, Labour Faces Backlash as New Deal for Working People Sparks Controversy.
ASLEF Train Drivers Begin More Strike Action
Rail passengers across the United Kingdom are facing significant disruptions due to strike action as a consequence of the failure of rail companies and government to resolve a two-year-long dispute over pay and working conditions. Train drivers affiliated with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) are striking. The strikes have already begun and will continue on Wednesday and Thursday. Drivers are also banning overtime until Saturday, exacerbating the situation.
Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express routes are the services affected.
The dispute centers around pay. ASLEF members have not received a pay rise in five years, leading to frustration and industrial action. formal talks between the operators and the union have not occurred for a year, making this the longest-ever rail industry dispute.
As action continues, commuters are left grappling with disrupted travel plans, and the pressure mounts on the government and rail companies involved to seek a resolution with ASLEF. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
Jobcentre Security Guards Stage 24-Hour Strike Over Pay Dispute
In a bold move, more than 1,000 security guards employed by G4S at Jobcentres across the country are set to walk out in a 24-hour strike starting tonight. The dispute centres around pay, with guards demanding fair compensation for their crucial role.
The GMB union, representing these guards, revealed that a recent survey found alarming rates of abuse suffered by its members. Shockingly, four out of five guards reported incidents of physical violence, including dog attacks and assaults by members of the public.
But it’s not just physical harm they face. Guards also endure daily verbal abuse, ranging from threats against their families to racist slurs and even death threats.
The strike action is scheduled for multiple dates, including May 13, 20, 28, and 29. GMB national officer Eamon O’Hearn emphasized the immense pressure these guards operate under, stating, “G4S and the Department for Work and Pensions are content to let guards scrape by on minimum wage. These survey results underscore the urgent need for change.”
This marks the first time that guards have united to demand better conditions. A spokesperson for G4S expressed disappointment at the decision and stated that the company is still attempting to reach an amicable agreement.
Disability Rights Advocates Slam Government’s Controversial PIP Overhaul
In a move that has sparked heated debate, the UK government has unveiled proposals to overhaul the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. While the government aims to address rising costs and streamline support, unions and disabled rights campaigners have raised serious objections.
Here’s what critics are saying about the proposed changes:
Charities and advocacy groups have labelled the government’s plans as “dangerous” and “reckless.” They argue that restricting access to PIP and replacing regular cash payments with other forms of provision could have devastating consequences for disabled individuals. Concerns centre around the potential impact on vulnerable claimants who rely on consistent financial support. One-off grants may not adequately meet ongoing needs, leading to increased hardship.
The government’s emphasis on mental health conditions in the proposed reforms has drawn criticism. While it acknowledges the rise in PIP claims related to mental health, campaigners worry that the changes may inadvertently harm those with invisible disabilities3. Critics argue that lump-sum grants may not address the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with fluctuating conditions. Regular cash payments provide stability, whereas one-off grants may fall short.
Disabled rights campaigners emphasize the need for a fair and compassionate welfare system. While the government aims to target support more accurately, critics fear that vulnerable claimants could slip through the cracks.
Removing the PIP assessment altogether for certain health conditions or disabilities may simplify bureaucracy, but it must not compromise essential assistance for those most in need.
As consultations begin, the government faces mounting pressure to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and safeguarding the well-being of disabled individuals. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of disability benefits in the UK.
and finally, Labour Faces Backlash as New Deal for Working People Sparks Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, several unions have issued stern warnings to the Labour Party, urging them not to dilute their proposed New Deal for Working People. Recent reports in the Financial Times suggest that the party may be reconsidering some of its earlier commitments, leading to concerns among labour advocates.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, minced no words: “Choosing May Day to signal a retreat from overhauling one of Europe’s worst employment rights frameworks is beyond ironic. If Labour fails to explicitly reaffirm their promise that the New Deal for Workers will be fully implemented within the first 100 days of office, they will cross a red line.”
The GMB union echoes the sentiment: “Working people are desperate for change, and we expect Labour to honour its pledges. The New Deal for Working People was agreed upon at the party’s national policy forum last summer, and Keir Starmer’s commitment to it remains crucial.”
The heart of the controversy lies in Labour’s stance on zero-hours contracts, affecting approximately 1.1 million workers in the UK. The original New Deal vowed to ban such contracts entirely, ensuring a minimum number of guaranteed hours for all. However, recent media commentary suggests a shift: Labour may not outright ban zero-hours contracts but will emphasize employers’ duty to provide contracts based on the preceding 12 weeks’ work.
A Labour spokesperson maintains that the New Deal remains a core part of their platform: “We will campaign vigorously on this ahead of the general election. Our commitment to delivering legislation within 100 days and consulting widely on implementation remains unchanged.”
The party’s revised plans align with decisions made at the national policy forum. These include creating a “single status” for all workers (except genuinely self-employed individuals) and reviewing parental leave within the first year of a Labour administration.
Trade union leaders are unyielding in their stance: “Any dilution of the New Deal for workers is wholly unacceptable. Labour must stand firm against corporate greed and prioritize the interests of working people. Attempts to water down this popular policy will face a robust response from the entire trade union movement.” – Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary
“Working people deserve protection from business excesses, not concessions to the super-rich. We won’t accept any weakening of workers’ rights.” – Fran Heathcote, PCS General Secretary
As the debate intensifies, the fate of the New Deal hangs in the balance, with both political and practical implications for millions of workers across the country.
Welcome to Union News reporting on events and issues about the labour and union movement in the United Kingdom. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
Aslef Members Stand Firm in Struggle for Fair Pay Amidst Widespread Rail Disruptions
Aslef union members persist in their principled strikes, bringing attention to the longstanding issue of stagnant wages in the face of a chaotic rail service situation across England.
Train drivers from Aslef are strategically implementing rolling strikes at various operating companies, creating significant disruptions in rail services and schedules. The heart of the matter lies in the union’s claim that drivers have not received a pay increase in five years. Additionally, Aslef enforces an overtime ban until Tuesday, February 6, as a part of their concerted efforts.
Commencing on January 30, the strikes have impacted Southeastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, South Western Railway Depot, and South Western Railway mainline. Yesterday saw Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER trains come to a halt. Today’s strikes are set to affect West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway, followed by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and Chiltern on Monday.
In contrast, train operations in Scotland and Wales remain unaffected, thanks to successful agreements on fair pay with Aslef. However, in England, Aslef rejected employers’ proposals that sought to modify longstanding working arrangements.
Mick Whelan, the General Secretary of Aslef, highlighted the lack of government communication over the past year, asserting, “There’s no excuse. The government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and collaborate to secure the future of our railways.”
It’s essential to acknowledge that under the government’s rail franchising system, financial compensation is provided to rail operators, funded by taxpayers, to cover losses resulting from industrial action.
“Steel Not For Sale” Campaign Emerges Across Britain as Unite Fights to Safeguard Steel Industry Jobs
Communities surrounding Britain’s key steel production centers witness the rise of hundreds of estate agents’ boards declaring “steel not for sale,” as Unite union intensifies its campaign to protect the industry and the livelihoods of thousands.
These signs have prominently appeared in Port Talbot (Wales), Sheffield (South Yorkshire), Teesside (North-East England), and Scunthorpe (Lincolnshire), symbolizing the robust community resistance against persistent threats to British steel.
Unite has garnered a promise of support for the steel industry from the Labour Party, committing to a £3 billion investment if they secure victory in the upcoming general election.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, affirmed, “Unite has secured a commitment from Labour that it will invest £3 billion in British steel. The current government must act in the national interest and provide similar guarantees to save jobs and maintain capacity to allow for the steel industry’s future growth.”
Highlighting the growing demand for steel and Britain’s potential to lead in green steel production, Graham emphasized that the fight for the future of British steel is urgent, pledging that Unite will be unyielding in its campaign until the right decisions are made.
Tata Steel’s recent announcement of nearly 3,000 job losses in Port Talbot, part of a transition to more environmentally friendly electric arc furnaces, has spurred these efforts. The government has allocated £500 million in taxpayers’ funds to aid Tata Steel in this transition. Despite Unite presenting an alternative plan to save jobs, Tata has rejected it and initiated a formal 45-day consultation on restructuring, anticipating significant job losses.
The battle to secure the future of British steel intensifies, with Unite advocating for governmental support to preserve jobs, maintain capacity, and foster the industry’s growth.
Lucozade Workers Declare Strike Over Pay: Union Warns of Possible Drink Shortages
In a bold move, Lucozade energy drink producers, consisting of 180 Unite union members at Suntory Beverage and Food in Coleford, Gloucestershire, are set to initiate a week-long strike starting Monday, protesting against inadequate pay.
Unite, the union representing the workers, has accused Suntory of neglecting the pressing issue of the cost-of-living crisis, claiming that the company has failed to address the concerns of its workforce.
The dispute stems from a two-year pay deal agreed upon in April 2022, which included a provision to review the second year’s increase in case of rising inflation. Unite alleges that Suntory has not fulfilled its commitment to implement a new increase.
Expressing solidarity with the striking workers, Unite’s General Secretary Sharon Graham criticized Suntory, stating, “Suntory is awash with cash, and it is reprehensible that it has failed to give our members a fair pay increase. The workers at Suntory have Unite’s complete support.”
Highlighting potential consequences, Unite warns that popular beverages like Lucozade and Ribena could vanish from supermarket shelves due to the strike. Regional officer Michael Hobbs asserted, “The strike action will inevitably result in shortages of consumers’ favourite drinks, but Suntory has brought this strike on itself due to its unreasonable actions.”
In a remarkable turn of events, a united front of trade unions, disabled people’s organizations, passenger groups, and countless other campaigners has succeeded in compelling the UK government to perform a humiliating U-turn on their plans to shutter hundreds of rail ticket offices in England. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, announced on Tuesday that the government had urged train operators to withdraw their controversial proposals, citing their failure to meet the high passenger standards expected.
Stevenage Ticket Office – just one of those saved. Picture Kollectiv Futur
This significant reversal of the Conservative Party’s position is a testament to the power of mass campaigning and the fear of electoral annihilation that has gripped the Tories. This victory showcases the importance of collective action and sends a clear message that the public will not accept the deterioration of essential services.
The objections raised against the proposals were widespread and impactful. Passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch reported that they received a staggering 750,000 responses from individuals and organizations during a public consultation. These responses were characterized by “powerful and passionate concerns,” as stated by Transport Focus.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT union, hailed this victory as a resounding one for passengers, community groups, and rail workers alike. He has called for an urgent summit involving the government, train operating companies, disabled and community organizations, and passenger groups to devise an alternative path for the rail network. Their goal is to ensure the preservation of ticket offices and station staff jobs while delivering a safe, secure, and accessible service that prioritizes passengers over profit.
The government is trying to distance itself from the proposed closures, arguing that they were not directly responsible for the plans. However, the fingerprints of the Conservative Party are all over this scheme, as they had originally approved it. Essentially, the Tories have rejected proposals that they themselves had endorsed.
The BBC reported that rail executives were “furious” over the government’s decision to backtrack, given that the original plans had been approved by the Department for Transport (DFT). A source from one of the rail companies expressed their frustration, revealing that they had been compelled to promote and defend the plans despite widespread criticism.
The victory to save ticket offices is a significant step forward, but it should not overshadow the ongoing struggle for fair wages, job security, and passenger safety within the rail industry. This achievement underscores the importance of continued action, including strikes, to push for these essential reforms.
In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had asserted that closing ticket offices was in the public interest, citing that only one in ten tickets was currently sold through ticket offices. The initial plans aimed to close ticket offices at 974 stations in England, but none in Scotland or Wales. However, with the overwhelming public response to the consultation, watchdogs such as Transport Focus and London Travelwatch unanimously opposed every planned closure, citing issues related to accessibility and operational concerns.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, highlighted that the consultation process demonstrated that almost no one, except for train companies and the Conservative Party, believed station ticket offices should be closed. The resounding support for the Save Our Ticket Offices campaign has been a victory not only for unions and campaigners but for all rail travelers.
The consensus from passengers, staff, and rail providers for the future of rail travel, as called for by National Pensioners’ Convention general secretary Jan Shortt, is now more attainable. Disabled People Against Cuts founder Linda Burnip emphasized the positive impact of this victory on disabled people, who would have been disproportionately affected by the proposed closures.
Katie Pennick, campaigns manager at accessibility charity Transport for All, aptly described this outcome as bittersweet. The proposals were indeed disastrous and discriminatory, and they should never have been put forward in the first place.
The U-turn on the ticket office closures reflects the triumph of people power, where collective action and a united front of campaigners and unions have successfully pushed back against regressive policies. It underscores the importance of vigilance and continued activism in protecting essential services and workers’ rights. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh MP’s call for a publicly owned and unified rail network resonates strongly, offering an alternative vision that prioritizes passengers and quality service.
Welcome to Union News, the weekly podcast from the labour and trade union movement in the UK. In this edition: Unmasking the Cover-Up: Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Fights for Accountability, The People Stand with Nurses: Public Support Surges as Strike Action Continues, Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet, Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet, Train Drivers Take a Stand: Strikes Loom as Working Agreements Come Under Fire, Strike for Change: Junior Doctors Demand Decisive Action on Pay, and finally, Pay Battle Escalates: Teachers in England Set for July Strikes. Writing is by the Solidarity team and music is by Tim Bragg.
Unmasking the Cover-Up: Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Fights for Accountability
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) renewed its calls for an inquiry into a severe state attack on organized workers by the Conservative government at a march this week. The campaign seeks to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The campaigners argue that an inquiry would expose the government’s lies and cover-ups regarding their role in managing the pit closure program, orchestrating militaristic police operations during the miners’ strike in the 1980s, and manipulating the courts and media to create a false narrative that demonized and criminalized workers fighting for their jobs and communities.
The incident in question took place on June 18, 1984, when police confronted striking miners at the Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire. The police had previously impeded pickets and engaged in acts of violence. On that day, they corralled the miners into a field and initiated a violent charge with mounted and riot police, leading to what has been referred to as the “Battle of Orgreave.” However, eyewitnesses and campaigners contend that it was an assault rather than a battle, with the police being the only armed side.
The OTJC argues that an inquiry is essential due to several factors, including pardons granted by the Scottish government to Scottish miners arrested during the strike, ongoing resentment in former mining communities, the withholding of strike-related documents until 2066, and growing public support for the campaign. They believe that a comprehensive and authoritative review is in the public interest to uncover the truth about what transpired and why the workers were treated so harshly.
Despite the evidence compiled and submitted, the Tory government has refused to grant pardons or initiate an inquiry into the events at Orgreave. The OTJC emphasizes that no one in government or the police has been held accountable for their actions. They view the government’s attempts to bury these issues as a serious threat to democracy. Some campaigners suspect that the government fears an Orgreave inquiry would expose scandals, corruption, and attempts to suppress dissent. They argue that the right to protest and strike should not be subject to the state’s discretion but should be inherent rights in a democratic society.
The People Stand with Nurses: Public Support Surges as Strike Action Continues
Support for striking nurses has surged even higher than when the industrial action began six months ago, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). In an RCN poll, it was revealed that 62 percent of the public now backs the strikes, marking the highest level of support for any profession engaged in strike action. A majority of supporters expressed strong support for nurses. Additionally, more than eight in 10 respondents (82 percent) expressed their backing for a pay increase for nurses.
The RCN is conducting a second ballot among its 300,000 members as per government regulations, which require reballoting after a six-month period of industrial action. If nurses vote to continue their campaign, the strike will persist until December of this year, with voting concluding on June 23.
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen acknowledged the immense public support received by nursing staff during this time. The presence of patients on picket lines, some coming directly from their hospital beds, provided a significant morale boost for the nurses concerned about leaving patients unattended. Cullen emphasized that the unwavering public support should draw attention in Downing Street, calling on Rishi Sunak to recognize the significance of this backing. Cullen stressed the importance of doing right by nurses, as it ultimately benefits patients as well. Cullen noted that support for the nursing strikes cuts across party lines, and urged Sunak to regain public support this summer. The upcoming 75th anniversary of the NHS is expected to elevate this issue further in the context of elections.
Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet
During a debate on the rising cost of living, Unison delegates highlighted the difficult choices faced by public service workers, including having to sacrifice meals to provide for their children. The cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affects already disadvantaged workers, including women, black, disabled, LGBT, and young members.
Yvonne Green from the Greater London region expressed concern over members struggling to meet their financial obligations and being priced out of living near their workplaces due to escalating housing costs. She emphasized the importance of supporting and holding employers accountable to address these issues.
Tina Roach from the Northern region highlighted the insecurity faced by many individuals, with some members even relying on charitable donations as current benefits prove inadequate. She lamented that instead of making progress in eradicating poverty, the country is witnessing the opposite trend.
The conference resolved to advocate for a well-funded public sector that prioritizes its workers and to raise awareness of the mounting financial pressures faced by public service workers.
Train Drivers Take a Stand: Strikes Loom as Working Agreements Come Under Fire
Train drivers from the union Aslef have initiated two new disputes against private rail operators to protect their working agreements. Avanti West Coast is being accused of attacking the workers’ sick pay agreement, leading to a vote in favour of strike action. The drivers will stage a 24-hour walkout on Sunday, July 2. In a separate dispute, drivers at London North Eastern Railways (LNER) will enforce an overtime ban starting from Saturday, July 1. These conflicts add to Aslef’s ongoing national dispute over pay.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, expressed regret that their members had to resort to such actions but emphasized that they would not tolerate violations of their agreed terms and conditions by the train operating companies. Whelan stated that they have been actively seeking resolutions to these disputes for several months, but unless the operators honor their agreements, further action will be necessary.
Strike for Change: Junior Doctors Demand Decisive Action on Pay
Junior doctors in England, following their 72-hour walkout, are being encouraged to escalate their strikes to demand proper negotiations and a substantial pay offer. Tens of thousands of doctors, supported by the BMA union, took part in a march from Tavistock Square to Parliament Square last week, calling for fair pay and the preservation of the NHS. The government’s current offer of a mere 5 percent pay increase has been deemed inadequate, leading to calls for more decisive action. Junior doctors express concerns about the strain on waiting lists and the shortage of staff, emphasizing the importance of unity and continued strikes. They are also considering collaborating with other unions, such as the RCN nurses’ union, to strengthen their cause. The ultimate goal is to bring about meaningful negotiations for a significant pay offer and rejuvenate the fight to protect the NHS.
And finally, Pay Battle Escalates: Teachers in England Set for July Strikes
Teachers in England, represented by the National Education Union (NEU), are planning to strike over pay in July. The strikes are scheduled for two dates, 5th and 7th July, and are likely to result in the closure of many schools, either fully or partially. The NEU considers strike action as a last resort and is calling for renewed negotiations with the government. The Department for Education has expressed concerns that further strikes would negatively impact student learning.
The NEU has previously organized five national and three regional strike days since February, making it the largest education union in the UK. The most recent strike on 2nd May affected a significant number of schools, with less than half fully operational.
The joint general secretaries of the NEU, Dr. Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, accuse Education Secretary Gillian Keegan of abandoning teachers in England. They demand that Keegan engage in negotiations, as their previous appeals have been disregarded. Bousted and Courtney emphasize that Keegan possesses the authority to prevent the strikes.
State school teachers in England received a 5% pay increase for the 2022-23 academic year. The government also proposed a one-time cash payment of £1,000, which was forfeited when negotiations failed. The unions argue that the offer should be higher to account for inflation, and they insist that any pay rise should be funded by additional government funds rather than schools’ existing budgets.
The government has offered a 4.3% pay rise for most teachers in the 2023-24 academic year, with starting salaries reaching £30,000. The Department for Education regards this offer as fair and reasonable, noting that schools will receive an additional £2.3 billion over the next two years. It claims that, on average across England, the offer is fully funded, although individual schools will be affected differently.
Negotiations stalled when all four unions rejected the government’s offer, arguing that most schools would need to make cuts elsewhere to accommodate it. The unions are urging the government to disclose the recommendations of the independent pay review body, which advises on appropriate pay rises for teachers in the coming year.
Union News brings you weekly reports from the Trade Union and labour movement in the UK
Welcome to Union News a podcast with reports from the labour and Trade Union movement in the UK. This week: Workers strike and protest in Ulster, London Underground drivers to join strikes on budget day, UK Workers Lost £26 Billion in Unpaid Overtime Last Year, Thousands march for peace in London, RMT members reignite trade unionism in Britain, says Mick Lynch at young members’ conference and TUC warns energy bills will eat up a tenth of UK workers’ salary from April. Music in the podcast is by Tim Bragg.
Labour MP Dan Jarvis is fighting for the rights of pregnant women Union News reports
Welcome to Union News – a podcast giving news from the trade unions and labour movement in the United Kingdom. In this edition, UK Unions Rally for Fair Pay in Widespread Demonstrations and Strikes Across Britain, Rail Strike Could Last Years Say Unions, Royal Mail Accused of Lacking Integrity as Communication Workers Union Announces Strike, New Bill to Boost Workplace Protection for Pregnant Women and New Parents Passes House of Commons, Union Leader Calls for Suspension of Deputy PM Over Bullying Claims and finally Join the Fight Against Anti-Union Bias in the Reactionary Media.
UK Unions Rally for Fair Pay in Widespread Demonstrations and Strikes Across Britain
The largest day of industrial action in decades took place on Wednesday, with around half a million workers including teachers, university workers, civil service workers, and train drivers going on strike. The marches and rallies were well-attended, with reports suggesting that new, young activists were emerging on the picket lines and rallies. Anger against the government was palpable, with workers feeling the effects of attacks on pensions, wages, and working conditions. The strikes were largely successful, with minimal signs of scabbing and public anger overwhelmingly directed not at strikers but rightly at the, culprits in our misgovernment. However, different groups of workers are at different stages in terms of strategy and escalation. The strikers must continue to push for longer and bigger strikes, demanding further united action and coordination.
There were widespread rallies and marches across Britain alongside the mass strike. Thousands of people participated in the rallies and marches in various cities, including Sheffield, Bristol, Leeds , Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow. The demonstrations were attended by various unions, including RMT, Aslef, PCS, NEU, Unison, UCU, and the GMB, as well as family and friends of union members. The rallies were aimed at demanding fair pay and were marked by speeches attacking Labour leader Keir Starmer’s lack of support for the strikes. Patrick Harrington, General Secretary of the Solidarity union, commented: “The rallies were strong and large and can be built on. Better transport arrangements to bring people to the demonstrations, better advance promotion of the demonstration assembly points and paid advertising have the potential to build really large presence on the streets”.
Rail Strike Could Last Years Say Unions
The UK National Rail strikes, organized by train drivers’ union Aslef and transport union RMT over pay, jobs, and working conditions, may continue for years. Aslef’s General Secretary, Mick Whelan, stated that his members haven’t had a wage increase since 2019. The strikes resulted in major parts of the country having no rail services as multiple operators could not run trains. The rail unions have accused Downing Street of blocking a deal to end the strikes, and the talks between the Rail Delivery Group and the unions have reportedly gone backwards since the dispute began last summer.
Royal Mail Accused of Lacking Integrity as Communication Workers Union Announces Strike
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has accused Royal Mail bosses of lacking integrity during a dispute over jobs and working conditions. The CWU announced a 24-hour strike on February 16, involving over 115,000 workers, in response to Royal Mail management forcing through changes related to work structure in direct contravention of pre-existing agreements with the union. The reforms also remove the union’s right to negotiate at a local level. The General Secretary of the CWU, Dave Ward, stated that the strike is due to the conduct of management and called for the company to take negotiations seriously. Royal Mail, however, accused the union of not being interested in resolving the dispute.
New Bill to Boost Workplace Protection for Pregnant Women and New Parents Passes House of Commons
A new bill aimed at improving workplace protection for pregnant women and new parents passed the House of Commons unopposed. The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill, sponsored by Labour MP Dan Jarvis, aims to extend employment rights for new mothers and mothers-to-be by protecting them against redundancy for a longer period. The bill would create new powers to protect women from redundancy during and after pregnancy and amend existing regulations to protect parents from redundancy on their return from maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave. The bill requires employers to prioritize soon-to-be and new parents in a redundancy situation and offer them a suitable alternative vacancy if their job is at risk. The bill will now undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords.
Union Leader Calls for Suspension of Deputy PM Over Bullying Claims
The leader of a union representing senior Whitehall officials has stated that civil servants who were allegedly bullied by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab have experienced “mental health crises” and lost their careers. Dave Penman, general secretary of FDA, denied allegations that the complaints against Raab were politically motivated. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed lawyer Adam Tolley to investigate the bullying claims against Raab, with around 50 civil servants involved in 8 formal complaints. Penman has called for Raab to be suspended during the probe.
Penman also expressed surprise at senior Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg’s warning against being “too snowflakey” about bullying allegations. The union leader emphasized that bullying behaviour can have serious consequences on an individual’s mental health and life, and it is unacceptable for such behaviour to be belittled.
and finally Join the Fight Against Anti-Union Bias in the Reactionary Media
Union News is calling on all workers and union members to join the fight against the negative portrayal of the labour community by Mainstream Media. The recent attack on teachers by the Daily Mail serves as a clear example of the anti-union bias in reactionary media.
We’re building a network of correspondents who can provide regular local labour and trade union news. This includes shop floor and office news, news related to your trade and profession, and news from the picket line.
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In this weeks programme: NHS Staff Show Solidarity and Determined Mood in Strikes for Fair Pay, Trade unionists gather to oppose war, Wales First Minister Warns Anti-Strike Laws Will “Inflame” Public Sector Disputes, Rail Workers Should Reject Insulting Pay Offer from Employers and Education Unions in Scotland Demand “Substantially Improved” Pay Offers.
NHS Staff Show Solidarity and Determined Mood in Strikes for Fair Pay
NHS staff are in a determined mood, as seen by the nurses’ strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, ambulance strikes in Wales on Thursday, and more ambulance action set for England next week. There is a lot of public support for the strikes, with passing vehicles honking in support of the strikers. The RCN union has responded to the nurses’ anger by naming new dates for strike action, with 12-hour strikes planned for both 6 and 7 February. The GMB union for ambulance workers will also be striking on 6 February, potentially leading to a major NHS strike that day. There is also a feeling of solidarity among the strikers, with many saying that NHS workers “simply have to be part of” the TUC day of action on 1 February to defend the right to strike.
Trade unionists gather to oppose war
Trade unionists have gathered in London for a conference on strengthening voices for peace in the labour movement. The World at War – a Trade Union Issue has been called by the Stop the War Coalition in response to efforts to silence peace campaigners in the Labour Party and a narrow vote to support increased arms spending by the Trades Union Congress. Speakers included National Education Union joint general secretary Kevin Courtney, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan, RMT president Alex Gordon, Fire Brigades Union officer Riccardo la Torre and Warren Smith of the Maritime Union of Australia, among others. The conference focused on reaffirming that war is a trade union issue, making opposition to war more central to trade union activity and reversing TUC policy on increasing arms expenditure.
Wales First Minister Warns Anti-Strike Laws Will “Inflame” Public Sector Disputes
Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford, who is also the leader of the Labour party in Wales, has warned that new anti-strike laws proposed by the UK government will “inflame disputes across the public sector”. This statement comes as workers and their trade unions across Britain prepare for a day of action against the new laws on February 1st. Drakeford criticized the proposed laws, saying that they will restrict workers’ right to take industrial action and further inflame current disputes in the public sector. Unison, a public sector union, has also spoken out against the laws, with more than 90% of health worker members in Wales voting for industrial action in a pay dispute.
Rail Workers Should Reject Insulting Pay Offer from Employers
Rail workers across 13 train operating companies in the UK have been offered a pay rise of 5% or a £1,750 increase for last year and 4% for this year by the Rail Delivery Group, the employers’ representative. The offer also includes the closure or “repurposing” of all station ticket offices, mandatory Sunday working, a two-tier pay structure for new hires and “flexible working” for all employees. The offer also includes worse holidays and sick pay. The previous offer was rejected by the RMT union as it was below inflation and included attacks on working conditions. The RMT leaders are considering the new offer and have not yet made a decision. Many rail workers are calling for the RMT leaders to reject the offer and to prepare for escalation of strikes.
Education Unions in Scotland Demand “Substantially Improved” Pay Offers
Education unions in Scotland have warned that only “substantially improved” pay offers will end the ongoing teaching strikes. The Scottish negotiating committee for teachers, which is made up of SNP ministers, local authority leaders, and trade unions, met again today to discuss the issue. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the largest union for educators in Scotland, welcomed further discussions but emphasized that a failure to improve on last year’s below-inflation 5% wage increase for most workers would result in continued strikes. The EIS launched 16 days of rolling strikes earlier this week, with staff in two council areas striking each day. Teachers who walked out in Angus and East Dunbartonshire today are demanding a 10% wage increase to match inflation.
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Trade Union News. Here’s a round up of the latest trade union and labour related news from around the UK. In this programme: NHS Staff March on Downing Street, Train Drivers to Strike, Christmas Post Truce Rejected By Management, Ambulance Workers Pledge To Maintain Essential cover and Union Leaders Meet To Discuss a unified day of strikes.
NHS Staff March on Downing Street
NHS staff and campaigners marched on Downing Street yesterday as picketing nurses were greeted with outpourings of public support in towns and cities across the country. The march was organised jointly by campaign groups NHS Workers Say No! and NHS Staff Voices which are part of the Keep Our NHS Public campaign. Spirits were high on nurses’ picket lines nationwide, with many people honking their horns in encouragement as they passed by.
Train Drivers to Strike
Train drivers represented by their Union, Aslef, will go on strike on Thursday January 5, joining RMT members who are scheduled to walk out on January 3, 4, 6 and 7. This is a result of a new ballot that was forced on them by government anti-strike laws. The mandate was even stronger than in the original ballot six months ago – 93 per cent for strike action on an 85 per cent turnout. The drivers’ strike will halt services at 15 train companies including Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia and GTR Great Northern Thameslink. Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “We don’t want to go on strike but the companies have pushed us into this place.”
Christmas Post Truce Rejected By Management
The Communication Workers Union has announced that postal workers will be striking on December 23 and 24, after Royal Mail rejected their offer of a Christmas truce. The union had sought to get Royal Mail to sign a joint agreement incorporating the company’s latest promise of no compulsory redundancies, but the offer was rejected almost immediately. This will be the 17th and 18th day of action in the dispute over pay, and is likely to cause significant delays in mail delivery during the festive period.
Ambulance Workers Pledge To Maintain Essential cover
GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison said that unions representing ambulance workers had been working “round the clock” to ensure there were enough strike exemptions to keep critical services running. Tens of thousands of ambulance staff including paramedics and call handlers are expected to walk out today in a dispute over pay. Speaking to MPs on the Commons health and social care select committee, Ms Harrison said strike action would go ahead unless Health Secretary Steve Barclay is willing to talk about pay. The GMB leader said that “essential” parts of the service will still be covered today, including responses for the most life-threatening conditions, like cardiac arrest. Ms Harrison told MPs that ambulance workers have been forced to take strike action after raising concerns for years about ambulance delays and unsafe conditions for patients as well as pay.
And finally, Union Leaders Meet To Discuss a unified day of strikes
According to a report in Socialist Worker Trade union leaders are planning to call a unified day of strikes on Wednesday 1 February, which could involve over a million workers. Union leaders met last week to discuss whether some sort of joint action was possible, and agreed to reconvene on 10 January when a final decision could be made.
This plan is a sign of the potential for powerful struggles to transform British politics says the report.
Episode Notes
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Saturday 1 October is set to be a major day of united strikes by over 170,000 workers. Rail workers, workers at Royal Mail and dock workers at Felixstowe will all strike. The media has dubbed the day of action a ‘perfect storm’.
On Friday the RMT emailed its 40,000 members on Network Rail and 14 train operating companies about a new strike date of 1 October.General secretary Mick Lynch added: “Due to the period of national mourning, the RMT will be making no press or public statements regarding the action.” The union may announce another day, probably 5 October, later.
The Aslef union, although it has also made no public statement, is also calling for more strikes by around 9,000 drivers at 12 companies. The managing director of rail operator LNER, David Horne, tweeted that the union had notified it of strikes on 1 October and 5 October.
The TSSA rail union has also called strikes for 1 October.
Over 115,000 Royal Mail workers in the CWU union were already set to strike on 1 October. And there are also scheduled strikes by more than 560 dockworkers at the Port of Liverpool, and 1,900 workers at the port of Felixstowe that cover that day. Together they move 60 percent of Britain’s container traffic.
The Liverpool strike is from Monday until 3 October and the Felixstowe one is from 27 September to 5 October. Unity is a big step forward. Pressure from below has helped to push the union leaders to call strikes on the same day.
On 1 October the Enough is Enough campaign needs to mobilise the 600,000 people who have signed up to its campaign. It calls for real pay rises, taxing the rich, an end to food poverty, decent homes for all and slashed energy bills.
It has now announced protests for 1 October in 13 cities — London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Hull, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Norwich and Bristol. These can unite the picket lines and wider groups. Everyone should build them.
Don’t Pay UK have also called protests on the day.
Patrick Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union, commented:
“The value of wages, having been stagnant for 12 years, is now falling. Offers of wage increases which are less than the rate of inflation is, in effect, wage cuts. That’s the stark reality for workers and that’s the main reason for strikes and protests. You can’t take money from people’s pockets without them getting angry.
“The other factor is that after a decade of austerity, people have had enough. They’ve seen public services privatised and being run for profit, not for need or the public good . That’s why the Labour Party’s pledge under Corbyn to renationalise the railways and water companies, as well as bring energy back into public ownership, was so popular.”
“It’s good to see unions striking on the same day and that protests are being organised by Enough is Enough. If workers are to protect their living standards, then this action must spread and escalate. Workers must not be made to pay for bad government decisions and policy. We need to see more days of action, and co-ordinated action, until we get a decent pay rise for all.”
Harrington continued:
“There is a lot of anger out there. And it needs to be harnessed in a constructive way so that workers get the pay rise that they deserve. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to get involved in the protests on 1 October, and to support the strikers.”
