Britain’s union leader warns of a “summer of dissatisfaction” as inflation outpaced rising wages

The leader of Britain’s largest private sector union warned of a “summer of dissatisfaction” as wage disputes are expected to increase amid rising inflation.

Unite union secretary Sharon Graham told the BBC that if workers were “paid for inflation,” hundreds of conflicts involving tens of thousands of people could occur. rice field.

She said that ordinary workers have already “spent years of dissatisfied winters in spring, summer, autumn and winter” and “employers who have benefited and can pay from workers” , Must pay appropriate and fair wages to those workers. “

Inflation in the UK is currently above 9% and is expected to rise further. However, Treasury Minister Simon Clark and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said rising wages exacerbated inflation and warned employees not to expect wages to rise with inflation.

But Graham said employers who “significantly cut wages” for those who survived the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic are “disgusting.”

Blame business

The union boss denied the risk of a “1970s style” spiral of wages and prices. Instead, she blamed the increased profits of large corporations.

However, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) refused to attack the company.

A CBI spokesperson said: Companies are also suffering from soaring input costs.

“Whenever possible, companies are stepping up their support by absorbing costs to keep consumer prices down and helping employees to cope with the surge in living costs.”

“Not sustainable”

Industrial activity is booming in the UK amid rising inflation and pessimistic economic forecasts.

Last month, about 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ Union (RMT) struck a national three-day strike, paralyzing the rail network.

RMT plans another three days of strikes on July 27th, August 18th, and August 20th.

Meanwhile, train drivers from eight railroad companies have decided to strike 24 hours later this month over wage disputes.

On June 23, the government announced a new law that would allow companies to supply government workers to fill the shortage of workers in industrial activities.

Commerce Secretary Kwasi Kwaten said it is “unsustainable” that trade unions can “claim a ransom by shutting down important public services and businesses.”

PA Media contributed to this report.

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