Ministers confident they will see fresh breakthrough in talks over union pay rises as it emerges ‘unsustainable’ strikes are ‘costing MILLIONS of pounds every time’ trade unionists walk out
- Industrial action is understood to be costing unions millions of pounds each day
- The cost of strikes has forced some unions into turning to public donations
- Unions, though, accused ministers of attempting to ‘sabotage’ talks over dispute
- Comes as ministers sounded defiance as unions threaten effective general strik
Ministers are confident off reaching a breakthrough in long-running discussions with unions over pay as it emerges strike action is causing them to run out of money.
Industrial action is understood to be costing unions millions of pounds each day, forcing some to turn to public donations amid Government claims they will run out of money to support members by the spring.
A Government source told The Times that the costs of strike pay and hardship for funding for those taking part is mounting up.
Unions, though, have accused ministers of attempting to ‘sabotage’ talks over the dispute. They also maintain they have the economic viability to continue strike action for months.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union on the picket line outside Birmingham Airport on Friday
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch talking on the phone at Euston Station in London amid rail strikes earlier this month
It comes after ministers sounded defiance yesterday as unions ramped up threats of an effective general strike.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the government will not be ‘held to ransom’ with double-digit pay demands and ‘go back to the 1970s’ when union barons thought they were in charge of the country.
The hard line came after new TUC chief Paul Nowak made clear that industrial action will be ‘co-ordinated’, with the country facing a ‘rolling wave’ of walkouts.
He suggested strikes could drag on into the summer unless ministers back down, saying public sector workers cannot tolerate another pay rise below inflation.
But Mr Nowak did admit that there is a possible ‘landing zone’ for a deal to be made on public sector pay.
He added: ‘Ministers should not underestimate the resolve of public sector workers.
‘They want fair pay and for the government to give them the respect they deserve. The present disputes can be resolved fairly if ministers are willing to negotiate in good faith.
‘But the Conservatives seem more interested in sabotaging talks and dragging things out.’
The Government has repeatedly insisted that it is not prepared to ignore the pay review bodies’ recommendations and that it is now up to the unions to talk to their employers directly.
A minister said today: ‘[The unions] can’t sustain this in the long term, they know that.’
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (right) at passport control at Manchester airport meeting members of the military as they cover for striking Border Force officers
And a senior source told The Times: ‘Union leaders are talking tough but strike action is an act of self-harm against their own workers who are losing out on wages and double pay days this Christmas.
‘For their own workers’ sake, union leaders need to stop playing politics and call off the costly strikes.’
Earlier, Mr Wallace also insisted there was ‘no magic wand’ to produce the money for above-inflation pay awards.
Union members are usually offered around £50 a day during industrial action, with hardship funds available for those particularly struggling.
The Public and Communication Services Union, representing Border Force officials and other public body staff, is currently spending around £1million a month on strike pay alone.
The union has a £4million strike find it is hoping to increase with a £5 a month levy on 177,000 members.
Driving examiners are out on strike this week. Pictured, a PCS picket line in London yesterday
The Royal College of Nursing is asking the Government for a pay rise of 19.2 per cent, which would cost £10billion of public money.
While strikes on December 15 and December 20 were limited, the union plans to increase the scale of its action in the coming weeks and months.
This could lead to strike action costing up to £5million every day. Its current strike fund is understood to be around £50million.
The RMT is said to have around £18.6million, and while it does not offer strike pay, it does have hardship funding for some of its members.
The union has also asked for public donations to support its ongoing dispute.
Meanwhile, Mr Nowak yesterday dismissed growing signs that the action is losing its impact, with military personnel stepping in to cover at borders and people able to work from home.
Advertisement