South African city of Cape Town’s public transport system has been paralysed after a taxi strike began last week, which has since turned violent and led to the death of two people, said the police on Monday (August 7). Australia and the United Kingdom issued a travel warning about the potential danger of travelling to Cape Town.

<h2>About the recent violence</h2>

At least two people were allegedly shot dead in separate incidents during the taxi strike in Cape Town on Monday morning, said the police. The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said that the first death occurred when a driver fired shots at a person who was allegedly pelting stones at the vehicles.&nbsp;

“An individual was shot dead and three others injured after a motorist was pelted with stones on Airport Approach Road. The driver responded to the attack by firing several shots,” said Potelwa, as quoted by News24. An investigation has been launched into the incident.&nbsp;

The police on Monday also found the body of a 28-year-old man who had been shot multiple times, said the local media report. Separately, a report by AFP citing local officials said that a police officer was shot dead in a vehicle while patrolling a township 20 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, on Friday night.&nbsp;

“(The) possibility that the attack is related to the ongoing taxi strike cannot be ruled out,” said the police, adding that the officers were “performing crime prevention patrols to quell taxi related incidents”.&nbsp;

According to reports, multiple vehicles have been set on fire and several roads have been blocked due to the protests, which have since left thousands of commuters stranded.

In a statement, the local officials said that two government vehicles had been set on fire and one had been hijacked. This was in addition to four other incidents of torching and stoning of private vehicles and shootings, on Monday, in “clear attempts to target City staff and infrastructure,” the statement added.

As many as 30 people have been arrested, as per local media reports.

<h2>What is the taxi strike about?</h2>

The drivers of the minibus taxis, the main mode of transport for millions of working-class South Africans, went on a strike last week after 15 minibuses were impounded last Tuesday.

The move was said to be in line with a new municipal by-law that allows the city to impound vehicles over offences such as driving without a license, not displaying registration plates or overloading.&nbsp;

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which called for the strike action, also claimed that around 6,000 vehicles had been impounded since the beginning of the year and said they were “left with no other option” due to “the frivolous impoundment operations run by government.”&nbsp;

Over the weekend, negotiations between SANTACO and the City of Cape Town over the recent taxi impoundments failed. The strikes are expected to go on till Wednesday (August 9).&nbsp;

The strike prevented as many as 456,020 learners and 17,449 staff members from getting to school on Monday, reported Cape Times. Several health facilities reportedly remained closed due to roadblocks and violence.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia and UK issue travel advisories</h2>

On Monday, the British High Commission in South Africa issued a notice on Facebook on the unrest, asking travellers to delay driving “to and from the airport until the route is cleared” as “GPS services could divert you into less secure areas or into ongoing protests”.&nbsp;

Similarly, the Australian government on its website said, “Ongoing taxi strikes in the Cape Town area have the potential to turn violent, potentially impacting multiple areas, including journeys to and from the airport.”

It also advised travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the high level of serious crime.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

South African city of Cape Town’s public transport system has been paralysed after a taxi strike began last week, which has since turned violent and led to the death of two people, said the police on Monday (August 7).

South African city of Cape Town’s public transport system has been paralysed after a taxi strike began last week, which has since turned violent and led to the death of two people, said the police on Monday (August 7). Australia and the United Kingdom issued a travel warning about the potential danger of travelling to Cape Town. About the recent violence At least two people were allegedly shot dead in separate incidents during the taxi strike in Cape Town on Monday morning, said the police. The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said that the first death occurred when a driver fired shots at a person who was allegedly pelting stones at the vehicles. “An individual was shot dead and three others injured after a motorist was pelted with stones on Airport Approach Road. The driver responded to the attack by firing several shots,” said Potelwa, as quoted by News24. An investigation has been launched into the incident. The police on Monday also found the body of a 28-year-old man who had been shot multiple times, said the local media report. Separately, a report by AFP citing local officials said that a police officer was shot dead in a vehicle while patrolling a township 20 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, on Friday night. “(The) possibility that the attack is related to the ongoing taxi strike cannot be ruled out,” said the police, adding that the officers were “performing crime prevention patrols to quell taxi related incidents”. According to reports, multiple vehicles have been set on fire and several roads have been blocked due to the protests, which have since left thousands of commuters stranded. In a statement, the local officials said that two government vehicles had been set on fire and one had been hijacked. This was in addition to four other incidents of torching and stoning of private vehicles and shootings, on Monday, in “clear attempts to target City staff and infrastructure,” the statement added. As many as 30 people have been arrested, as per local media reports. What is the taxi strike about? The drivers of the minibus taxis, the main mode of transport for millions of working-class South Africans, went on a strike last week after 15 minibuses were impounded last Tuesday. The move was said to be in line with a new municipal by-law that allows the city to impound vehicles over offences such as driving without a license, not displaying registration plates or overloading. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which called for the strike action, also claimed that around 6,000 vehicles had been impounded since the beginning of the year and said they were “left with no other option” due to “the frivolous impoundment operations run by government.” Over the weekend, negotiations between SANTACO and the City of Cape Town over the recent taxi impoundments failed. The strikes are expected to go on till Wednesday (August 9). The strike prevented as many as 456,020 learners and 17,449 staff members from getting to school on Monday, reported Cape Times. Several health facilities reportedly remained closed due to roadblocks and violence. Australia and UK issue travel advisories On Monday, the British High Commission in South Africa issued a notice on Facebook on the unrest, asking travellers to delay driving “to and from the airport until the route is cleared” as “GPS services could divert you into less secure areas or into ongoing protests”. Similarly, the Australian government on its website said, “Ongoing taxi strikes in the Cape Town area have the potential to turn violent, potentially impacting multiple areas, including journeys to and from the airport.” It also advised travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the high level of serious crime.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cape town taxi strike: At least 2 killed, 3 injured amid clashes; UK and Australia issue travel warnings

On Thursday (July 27th), Britain's GMB trade union announced that over a thousand workers at two Amazon fulfilment centres in England are set to engage in strike action in early August as part of an ongoing pay dispute.&nbsp;

The industrial action is expected to have wider ramifications, signalling a prolonged battle for workers' rights within the e-commerce giant, Amazon.

<h2>'Fight for workers' right only just beginning'</h2>

Rachel Fagan, the Senior Organiser at GMB, stated in a press release, "This industrial action will spread further: it’s clear the fight for workers’ rights at Amazon is only just beginning."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pay-issues-strike-again-950-ground-workers-at-gatwick-airport-set-to-stage-eight-day-protest-615595">UK: Pay issues strike again, 950 ground workers at Gatwick airport set to stage eight-day protest</a>

As per a Reuters report quoting&nbsp;the union's schedule, employees at the Rugeley facility will walk out on August 3rd and 4th, while those at the Coventry centre will take action on August 4th and 5th.&nbsp;

<h2>Amazon responds to looming strikes</h2>

The strikes are aimed at drawing attention to the concerns over wages and benefits at the company. However, in response to the looming strikes, Amazon defended its stance on employee compensation.&nbsp;

An Amazon spokesperson highlighted the recent pay increases, stating, "In less than a year, our minimum pay has risen by 10 per cent and by more than 37 per cent since 2018."

The company, as per Reuters, asserted that it regularly reviews its pay structure to ensure competitive wages and attractive benefits for its workforce.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous strikes</h2>

The forthcoming strike is not an isolated incident. In June, the GMB trade union reported that Amazon workers in Coventry, who had already conducted several walkouts since January, voted in favour of extending industrial action for an additional six months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-junior-doctors-begin-longest-single-walkout-in-nhss-history-over-pay-issues-615098">Thousands of UK doctors begin ‘longest walkout’ in NHS history over pay issues</a>

The dispute in England adds to the ongoing debates surrounding workers' rights and corporate responsibility. Also in August, nearly a thousand airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England are set to strike over pay issues.&nbsp;

Around 950 airport workers working at four firms — ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services — which provide services like baggage handling, ground handling and check-in work, to multiple airlines including the British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet and Wizz will be on strike starting tomorrow (Friday, July 28th). The first strike will last till Tuesday, August 1st. Following this, they will once again strike from Friday, August 4th to Tuesday, August 8th.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Thursday (July 27th), Britain's GMB trade union announced that over a thousand workers at two Amazon fulfilment centres in England are set to engage in strike action in early August as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

On Thursday (July 27th), Britain's GMB trade union announced that over a thousand workers at two Amazon fulfilment centres in England are set to engage in strike action in early August as part of an ongoing pay dispute. The industrial action is expected to have wider ramifications, signalling a prolonged battle for workers' rights within the e-commerce giant, Amazon. 'Fight for workers' right only just beginning' Rachel Fagan, the Senior Organiser at GMB, stated in a press release, "This industrial action will spread further: it’s clear the fight for workers’ rights at Amazon is only just beginning." Also read | UK: Pay issues strike again, 950 ground workers at Gatwick airport set to stage eight-day protest As per a Reuters report quoting the union's schedule, employees at the Rugeley facility will walk out on August 3rd and 4th, while those at the Coventry centre will take action on August 4th and 5th. Amazon responds to looming strikes The strikes are aimed at drawing attention to the concerns over wages and benefits at the company. However, in response to the looming strikes, Amazon defended its stance on employee compensation. An Amazon spokesperson highlighted the recent pay increases, stating, "In less than a year, our minimum pay has risen by 10 per cent and by more than 37 per cent since 2018." The company, as per Reuters, asserted that it regularly reviews its pay structure to ensure competitive wages and attractive benefits for its workforce. Previous strikes The forthcoming strike is not an isolated incident. In June, the GMB trade union reported that Amazon workers in Coventry, who had already conducted several walkouts since January, voted in favour of extending industrial action for an additional six months. Also read | Thousands of UK doctors begin ‘longest walkout’ in NHS history over pay issues The dispute in England adds to the ongoing debates surrounding workers' rights and corporate responsibility. Also in August, nearly a thousand airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England are set to strike over pay issues. Around 950 airport workers working at four firms — ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services — which provide services like baggage handling, ground handling and check-in work, to multiple airlines including the British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet and Wizz will be on strike starting tomorrow (Friday, July 28th). The first strike will last till Tuesday, August 1st. Following this, they will once again strike from Friday, August 4th to Tuesday, August 8th. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amazon workers from two facilities in UK to stage strikes over pay dispute

In the United Kingdom, the travel plans of thousands of travellers are set to be affected as nearly a thousand airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England strike over pay issues.

On Friday, the trade union Unite announced that almost a thousand airport workers at four firms will strike for a period of eight days, during what is slated to be the busiest summer period since the coronavirus pandemic.

<h2>The looming strike</h2>

Airport workers, including baggage handlers and ground staff, will begin the strike from Friday, July 28th. The first strike will last till Tuesday, August 1st. Following this, they will once again strike from Friday, August 4th to Tuesday, August 8th.

The strike will affect multiple airlines including the British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet and Wizz, said the union.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-junior-doctors-begin-longest-single-walkout-in-nhss-history-over-pay-issues-615098">Thousands of UK doctors begin ‘longest walkout’ in NHS history over pay issues</a>

Around 950 airport workers working at four firms — ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services — provide many services including baggage handling, ground handling and check-in work, to the above-mentioned major airlines.

<h2>How will it affect travel</h2>

As per Unite, disruptions, delays and cancellations were "inevitable". Right now, the strike is planned but can be avoided.

BBC reports that if it does go ahead, the strike will put pressure on the aviation industry as it deals with potential air traffic control strikes and restricted airspace over Ukraine due to the ongoing Ukraine war.

The union has been pushing for a pay rise for its members for months. In June, Unite had previously called off strike action by security staff at the Heathrow Airport which happens to be Britain's busiest airport, after securing a new deal.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sag-aftra-negotiating-committee-unanimously-votes-strike-as-talks-fall-615055">SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee unanimously votes for strike as talks fail</a>

As per Unite, "despite undertaking highly demanding and safety critical roles" most of the workers are paid under £12 ($15.74) per hour.

Furthermore, during the pandemic, many companies at Gatwick Airport "made large-scale redundancies and cut the pay and conditions of their remaining staff."

<h2>Lasting issue: Other strikes by airport staff</h2>

From July 18th, around 100 airport security staff and technicians at the Birmingham Airport are set to walk off.

In Italy, an air traffic strike is planned to start July 15th, which Ryanair Airlines as per BBC said is expected to cause cancellations and disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In the United Kingdom, the travel plans of thousands of travellers are set to be affected as nearly a thousand airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England strike over pay issues.

In the United Kingdom, the travel plans of thousands of travellers are set to be affected as nearly a thousand airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England strike over pay issues. On Friday, the trade union Unite announced that almost a thousand airport workers at four firms will strike for a period of eight days, during what is slated to be the busiest summer period since the coronavirus pandemic. The looming strike Airport workers, including baggage handlers and ground staff, will begin the strike from Friday, July 28th. The first strike will last till Tuesday, August 1st. Following this, they will once again strike from Friday, August 4th to Tuesday, August 8th. The strike will affect multiple airlines including the British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet and Wizz, said the union. Also read | Thousands of UK doctors begin ‘longest walkout’ in NHS history over pay issues Around 950 airport workers working at four firms — ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services — provide many services including baggage handling, ground handling and check-in work, to the above-mentioned major airlines. How will it affect travel As per Unite, disruptions, delays and cancellations were "inevitable". Right now, the strike is planned but can be avoided. BBC reports that if it does go ahead, the strike will put pressure on the aviation industry as it deals with potential air traffic control strikes and restricted airspace over Ukraine due to the ongoing Ukraine war. The union has been pushing for a pay rise for its members for months. In June, Unite had previously called off strike action by security staff at the Heathrow Airport which happens to be Britain's busiest airport, after securing a new deal. Also read | SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee unanimously votes for strike as talks fail As per Unite, "despite undertaking highly demanding and safety critical roles" most of the workers are paid under £12 ($15.74) per hour. Furthermore, during the pandemic, many companies at Gatwick Airport "made large-scale redundancies and cut the pay and conditions of their remaining staff." Lasting issue: Other strikes by airport staff From July 18th, around 100 airport security staff and technicians at the Birmingham Airport are set to walk off. In Italy, an air traffic strike is planned to start July 15th, which Ryanair Airlines as per BBC said is expected to cause cancellations and disruptions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Pay issues strike again, 950 ground workers at Gatwick airport set to stage eight-day protest

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links&nbsp;earlier this month. The&nbsp;assault&nbsp;resulted in 'minor' damages to the&nbsp;ship, as reported by AFP.

“On the Iranian front, our efforts are unceasing for the simple reason that Iran’s acts of aggression are unceasing,” Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting.

“Last week, Iran again attacked an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf (region) and struck at the international freedom of navigation,” he said.&nbsp;

On February 10, Campo Square, a Liberian-flagged product tanker, was “hit by an airborne object while in the Arabian Sea, approximately 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) off the coasts of India and Oman,” according to Eletson, the Greek company that controls the vessel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-killed-after-israeli-missile-strikes-syrian-building-563540">Syria: At least 15 killed as Israeli missile strikes building in Damascus</a>

“Both the vessel and crew are safe and proceeding as per planned passage. There is minor damage to the vessel,” Eletson said in a statement Saturday

A spokesman for Eletson told AFP that Zodiac Maritime, the British shipping company founded and headed by an Israeli, Eyal Ofer, was "linked" to the Liberian company that owns Campos Square.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Death toll climbs 46,000; survivors struggle to rebuild lives

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-climbs-46000-survivors-struggle-to-rebuild-lives-563708/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu's remarks come after Syrian state media reported that Israel had hit a Damascus suburb late on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15, according to the Syrian report.

The strike, according Reuters, was directed at an area in the Syrian capital's Kafar Sousah district, which is adjacent to an enormous and well-guarded security complex and near Iranian sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links earlier this month. The assault resulted in 'minor' damages to the ship, as reported by AFP.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links earlier this month. The assault resulted in 'minor' damages to the ship, as reported by AFP. “On the Iranian front, our efforts are unceasing for the simple reason that Iran’s acts of aggression are unceasing,” Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting. “Last week, Iran again attacked an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf (region) and struck at the international freedom of navigation,” he said. On February 10, Campo Square, a Liberian-flagged product tanker, was “hit by an airborne object while in the Arabian Sea, approximately 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) off the coasts of India and Oman,” according to Eletson, the Greek company that controls the vessel. ALSO READ | Syria: At least 15 killed as Israeli missile strikes building in Damascus “Both the vessel and crew are safe and proceeding as per planned passage. There is minor damage to the vessel,” Eletson said in a statement Saturday A spokesman for Eletson told AFP that Zodiac Maritime, the British shipping company founded and headed by an Israeli, Eyal Ofer, was "linked" to the Liberian company that owns Campos Square. ALSO WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Death toll climbs 46,000; survivors struggle to rebuild lives Netanyahu's remarks come after Syrian state media reported that Israel had hit a Damascus suburb late on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15, according to the Syrian report. The strike, according Reuters, was directed at an area in the Syrian capital's Kafar Sousah district, which is adjacent to an enormous and well-guarded security complex and near Iranian sites. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Benjamin Netanyahu blames Iran for attacking an Israeli-linked tanker

UK ambulance workers went on strike Wednesday, walking out for the second time since December in an ongoing dispute with the government over pay.

UK ambulance workers stage walkout over pay hike demands

No end to UK's strike woes in Christmas and New Year season. Up to 100,000 members of the Royal College of Nursing hold the strike. Nurses strike for the second time to demand a pay rise.

WION Dispatch: NHS nurses begin second day-long strike

The UK Road, rail and immigration desk worker strikes are scheduled for the Christmas and New Year weekends. The British hospitality industry is gearing up for a rough festive period.

WION Fineprint | UK strikes to affect holiday season

Britain's new 'winter of discontent' deepens as widespread strikes mount over festive period. Around 10,000 ambulance staff in England will walk out on December 21 over demand for better pay.

Why 10,000 ambulance workers are going on a strike?

Workers across different sectors and industries in the United Kingdom have announced strikes in the months of December and January amid deadlock between the government, employers and unions who are demanding better pay and working conditions as the country is witnessing the highest inflation in four decades and a cost-of-living crisis.&nbsp;

Which industries are taking strike action and why?

The UK is facing significant and widespread industrial unrest this month, ahead of Christmas with labour unions across public sectors and industries, including firefighters, teachers, railway workers, nurses, Royal mail workers and so on, announcing strikes and walkouts. 
 
Nurses

The state-run National Health Service (NHS) is set to face a number of unprecedented industrial actions from its staff in December. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced that its members in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will strike on December 15 and December 20 where nearly thousands are expected to stage a walkout.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-inflation-soars-to-41-year-high-of-111-uk-nurses-union-announces-its-first-strike-in-106-years-537248">British nurses to go on strike for two days in December over pay dispute</a>

The RCN has demanded a five per cent pay rise above the Retail Price Index (RPI), a measure of inflation, which is at 14 per cent. Furthermore, the union has also warned about the impact on several employers in January if formal negotiations with the government are not held. Meanwhile, they also plan on organising strikes until early May next year.&nbsp;

Transport

Transport services in the UK will be affected by these strikes as thousands of railway workers, bus drivers, road workers and the ground-handling staff at the airport are set to stage a walkout.&nbsp;

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said that industrial action demanding higher wages, job security, and better working conditions, has been scheduled on Avanti West Coast on December 13, 14, 16 and 17.&nbsp;

This comes amid sections of Britain’s railways being sporadically impacted since the sector first announced strike days in June, earlier this year and plans to continue in December and January.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-festive-travel-set-to-take-a-hit-amid-planned-rail-strikes-in-december-540854">UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes in December</a>

According to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) more than 40,000 workers across the rail network and 14 train operating companies will stage a series of strikes on 13, 14, 16 and 17 December and on 3, 4, 6 and 7 January 2023 each of which will go on for at least 48 hours.&nbsp;

Additionally, they have also recently announced strikes starting Christmas eve on 24 to 27 December, demanding higher wages in line with the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, in a first, more than 1,000 railway cleaners, also a part of the RMT, will take nationwide strike action on 22, 23 and 31 December.&nbsp;

The Unite Union accounting for nearly 1,000 bus drivers will strike in southern and western parts of London on 9, 10, 16 and 17 December, for a pay rise to reflect the UK’s higher cost of living.&nbsp;

Baggage handlers for Menzies Aviation at Heathrow Airport will strike for three days starting December 16, which is likely to affect the services of at least ten airlines. According to the Unite union, the 350 ground handlers employed by Menzies Aviation have been offered a flat rate increase for the entire workforce which ultimately amounts to a real terms pay cut.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-nearly-40000-rail-maritime-and-transport-workers-on-strike-501160">UK: Nearly 40,000 rail, maritime and transport workers on strike</a>

Meanwhile, the road workers’ union, Public and Commercial Services (PCS) have announced a 12-day strike between December 16 to January 7, amid the busiest time of the year, Christmas and New Year. The union accounts for National Highways employees, who plan, design, build, operate, and maintain roads across the UK.&nbsp; 
 
Royal Mail&nbsp;

The centuries-old Royal Mail postal service workers will stage at least six strikes in December including on Christmas eve, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU) their members will walk out on 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24 December.&nbsp;

This comes after the workers have been offered a pay deal which the employers claim is worth up to nine per cent over 18 months. However, with the inflation rate at 11.1 per cent workers have demanded high wages. The union has objected to proposed working conditions including compulsory Sunday working.&nbsp;

Emergency services&nbsp;

Three ambulance unions in the UK which are Unison, GMB and Unite, accounting for nearly 10,000 ambulance workers including paramedics, control room staff and other support workers have planned to walk out on 21 and 28 December. According to GMB, the strike will take place across England and Wales in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-unions-vote-for-ambulance-strike-before-christmas-539041">dispute</a> over wages and working conditions.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is mulling over potential strike action after they recently rejected the five per cent wage hike and has begun balloting firefighters and control staff, for the same,&nbsp;which closes by the end of January.&nbsp;

Teachers and university employees

More than 70,000 teachers in Scotland for the first time in four decades have carried out a strike action which began with members of its largest union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) walking out on November 24. They are set to conduct sporadic strikes this month which may continue till February 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-inflation-spurs-to-41-year-high-before-jeremy-hunts-autumn-statement-534697">UK inflation soars to 41-year high before Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement</a>

This comes after they rejected the nearly seven per cent increase in wages, for those lowest paid, as they have demanded a 10 per cent hike. On the other hand, Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), has announced strikes on 7 and 8 December.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of workers at nearly 150 universities across the UK walked out for three days last month over the number of disputes but predominantly demanding higher wages. Meanwhile, the ballot for the teaching unions in England and Wales is underway and will close in January which could lead to further strikes.

How has the UK government responded?

The announcements of strikes indicating the impending industrial unrest in the country had begun last month while Downing Street at the time had urged unions to call off the “unnecessary” strike action, while reportedly placing the military on standby in response to the potential crisis. &nbsp;

Furthermore, a report by The Sunday Times claims that the incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could curb the right to strike for public sector workers including the NHS, teachers, firefighters and so on. Meanwhile, the main opposition, the Labour Party, urged the government to negotiate with the workers.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-ambulance-workers-to-strike-rishi-sunak-calls-nurses-strike-threat-very-regrettable-539501">UK: Ambulance workers to strike; Rishi Sunak calls nurses strike threat 'very regrettable'</a>

In an interview with Sky News, the chairman of the governing Conservative Party, Nadhim Zahawi said that the military personnel could be used to ease the impact of the strikes on the services. He added that the government’s message to the union is, “this is not a time to strike” but “to try and negotiate”.&nbsp;

Zahawi, on Sunday, also blamed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the UK’s economic struggles including the rise in energy prices which he claimed have consequently led to the wave of strikes. He also urged the unions to drop their demands, “come together” and send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot “use energy as a weapon.”&nbsp;

These remarks received significant backlash from the unions at the forefront of these strikes, as RCN chief executive Pat Cullen called it a “new low for this government” which is using the conflict as a justification for a real-term pay cut for the nurses. Meanwhile, Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, called the party chairman’s allegations “that Britain’s nurses, ambulance drivers and teachers are allies of Vladimir Putin is as ridiculous as it is disgraceful.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Workers across different sectors and industries in the United Kingdom have announced strikes in the months of December and January amid deadlock between the government, employers and unions who are demanding better pay and working conditions as the country is witnessing the highest inflation in four decades and a cost-of-living crisis.

Workers across different sectors and industries in the United Kingdom have announced strikes in the months of December and January amid deadlock between the government, employers and unions who are demanding better pay and working conditions as the country is witnessing the highest inflation in four decades and a cost-of-living crisis. Which industries are taking strike action and why? The UK is facing significant and widespread industrial unrest this month, ahead of Christmas with labour unions across public sectors and industries, including firefighters, teachers, railway workers, nurses, Royal mail workers and so on, announcing strikes and walkouts. Nurses The state-run National Health Service (NHS) is set to face a number of unprecedented industrial actions from its staff in December. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced that its members in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will strike on December 15 and December 20 where nearly thousands are expected to stage a walkout. ALSO READ | British nurses to go on strike for two days in December over pay dispute The RCN has demanded a five per cent pay rise above the Retail Price Index (RPI), a measure of inflation, which is at 14 per cent. Furthermore, the union has also warned about the impact on several employers in January if formal negotiations with the government are not held. Meanwhile, they also plan on organising strikes until early May next year. Transport Transport services in the UK will be affected by these strikes as thousands of railway workers, bus drivers, road workers and the ground-handling staff at the airport are set to stage a walkout. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said that industrial action demanding higher wages, job security, and better working conditions, has been scheduled on Avanti West Coast on December 13, 14, 16 and 17. This comes amid sections of Britain’s railways being sporadically impacted since the sector first announced strike days in June, earlier this year and plans to continue in December and January. ALSO READ | UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes in December According to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) more than 40,000 workers across the rail network and 14 train operating companies will stage a series of strikes on 13, 14, 16 and 17 December and on 3, 4, 6 and 7 January 2023 each of which will go on for at least 48 hours. Additionally, they have also recently announced strikes starting Christmas eve on 24 to 27 December, demanding higher wages in line with the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, in a first, more than 1,000 railway cleaners, also a part of the RMT, will take nationwide strike action on 22, 23 and 31 December. The Unite Union accounting for nearly 1,000 bus drivers will strike in southern and western parts of London on 9, 10, 16 and 17 December, for a pay rise to reflect the UK’s higher cost of living. Baggage handlers for Menzies Aviation at Heathrow Airport will strike for three days starting December 16, which is likely to affect the services of at least ten airlines. According to the Unite union, the 350 ground handlers employed by Menzies Aviation have been offered a flat rate increase for the entire workforce which ultimately amounts to a real terms pay cut. ALSO WATCH | UK: Nearly 40,000 rail, maritime and transport workers on strike Meanwhile, the road workers’ union, Public and Commercial Services (PCS) have announced a 12-day strike between December 16 to January 7, amid the busiest time of the year, Christmas and New Year. The union accounts for National Highways employees, who plan, design, build, operate, and maintain roads across the UK. Royal Mail The centuries-old Royal Mail postal service workers will stage at least six strikes in December including on Christmas eve, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU) their members will walk out on 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24 December. This comes after the workers have been offered a pay deal which the employers claim is worth up to nine per cent over 18 months. However, with the inflation rate at 11.1 per cent workers have demanded high wages. The union has objected to proposed working conditions including compulsory Sunday working. Emergency services Three ambulance unions in the UK which are Unison, GMB and Unite, accounting for nearly 10,000 ambulance workers including paramedics, control room staff and other support workers have planned to walk out on 21 and 28 December. According to GMB, the strike will take place across England and Wales in a dispute over wages and working conditions. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is mulling over potential strike action after they recently rejected the five per cent wage hike and has begun balloting firefighters and control staff, for the same, which closes by the end of January. Teachers and university employees More than 70,000 teachers in Scotland for the first time in four decades have carried out a strike action which began with members of its largest union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) walking out on November 24. They are set to conduct sporadic strikes this month which may continue till February 2023. ALSO READ | UK inflation soars to 41-year high before Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement This comes after they rejected the nearly seven per cent increase in wages, for those lowest paid, as they have demanded a 10 per cent hike. On the other hand, Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), has announced strikes on 7 and 8 December. Tens of thousands of workers at nearly 150 universities across the UK walked out for three days last month over the number of disputes but predominantly demanding higher wages. Meanwhile, the ballot for the teaching unions in England and Wales is underway and will close in January which could lead to further strikes. How has the UK government responded? The announcements of strikes indicating the impending industrial unrest in the country had begun last month while Downing Street at the time had urged unions to call off the “unnecessary” strike action, while reportedly placing the military on standby in response to the potential crisis. Furthermore, a report by The Sunday Times claims that the incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could curb the right to strike for public sector workers including the NHS, teachers, firefighters and so on. Meanwhile, the main opposition, the Labour Party, urged the government to negotiate with the workers. ALSO WATCH | UK: Ambulance workers to strike; Rishi Sunak calls nurses strike threat 'very regrettable' In an interview with Sky News, the chairman of the governing Conservative Party, Nadhim Zahawi said that the military personnel could be used to ease the impact of the strikes on the services. He added that the government’s message to the union is, “this is not a time to strike” but “to try and negotiate”. Zahawi, on Sunday, also blamed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the UK’s economic struggles including the rise in energy prices which he claimed have consequently led to the wave of strikes. He also urged the unions to drop their demands, “come together” and send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot “use energy as a weapon.” These remarks received significant backlash from the unions at the forefront of these strikes, as RCN chief executive Pat Cullen called it a “new low for this government” which is using the conflict as a justification for a real-term pay cut for the nurses. Meanwhile, Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, called the party chairman’s allegations “that Britain’s nurses, ambulance drivers and teachers are allies of Vladimir Putin is as ridiculous as it is disgraceful.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: From nurses to teachers, why workers across UK are going on strike

In the United Kingdom, more than 70,000 universities staff are going on strike over pay and pensions with up to 2.5 million students facing disruption. Watch this video to know more.

Over 70,000 university staff go on strike over pay and pensions in UK

strike-action

Strike Action, News on Strike Action, stories on Strike Action, articles on Strike Action, Strike Action stories at Wion, Strike Action news, Strike Action latest news