Chaos over strikes

The UK government is developing plans to minimise the impact of possible major strikes and is discussing the possibility of involving military personnel in the role of striking public sector workers who are demanding a pay rise amid high inflation. Chairman of the ruling Conservative Party Nadhim Zahawi said on Sunday.

"We are sending a message to the unions that now is not the time for strikes, now we need to try to negotiate. But because of the lack of success in the negotiating process it is important that the government has a back-up plan," he told Sky News.

He also noted that military personnel in particular could temporarily replace border guards carrying out checks at airports and ports and National Health Service workers, who are set to go on strike in the coming weeks.

The Tory Party chairman added that the authorities cannot afford to raise the salaries of those employed in the public sector in line with inflation, as such measures would only lead to further price increases in the country and put an additional burden on the budget. In this regard, Zahawi stressed that the military, for example, could be called upon to drive ambulances in case of staff shortages.

Pat Cullen, general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), argued that ministers could avert a strike by agreeing to the union's demand for a 19.2 per cent pay rise.

She said: "Every nurse feels a big responsibility to make this strike safe. Patients are already at great risk and we will not add to that."

"This list of exemptions shows how seriously we take our responsibilities."

This year in the UK, members of several professions have announced mass protests, demanding that their pay be brought in line with rising prices. According to official figures, inflation in October was 11.1%, the highest in 40 years. Mass strikes were staged by bus drivers in the capital, criminal defence lawyers, employees of the post office and the major container port of Philixtow. British civil servants, including border guards, and health care workers are scheduled to strike in December.