Sara Hawthorn 10 July 2014

Poll shows public support for strike action

An independent poll has revealed 70% of the public back the right to strike with the majority believing the government is waging an 'unjust war' on public sector workers.

As millions of workers head to the picket lines, the Survation poll has shown a high level of support for local government workers with 58% supporting a pay increase of £1 per hour. Significantly, two-thirds of those polled disagreed with the Government’s decision to cap wages below inflation pay until 2018.

Across the regions, support is highest in the north where over half of those polled (58%) say a wage raise of £1 per hour is justified and in London where more than half (59%) back better pay. In Scotland, four in five people (78%) back the workers' right to strike.

Unite assistant general secretary, Gail Cartmail, said: 'This government's ceaseless attacks on our public service workers are misguided and find no favour with the public. They can see through this bullying for what it is - an attempt to turn friends and neighbours against the good people who care for their kids, keep their streets clean and run our valued community services, and they are not buying it.

'People understand that poverty pay and inequality are on the rise in this country. The rich get richer while working poor turn to food banks because in Tory-led Britain the fate for ordinary people is to work harder but get poorer.'

Unite national officer for local government, Fiona Farmer, added: 'While the cabinet enjoys an 11% pay jump they are clobbering the army of low waged workers who hold our communities together. Since 2010, local government workers have endured wage cuts of 18% in real terms. Pretty soon the national minimum wage will soon overtake local government pay scales; members are already forced to make awful choices between heating and eating.'

The poll also showed that the threat to curb the right to strike should a Tory government be elected in 2015 does not attract popular support. Twice as many people believe the trade unions on the public services than they do the government.

Since the coalition Government came to power the TUC has estimated that workers have lost £2,245 in wages.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Billing and Compliance Officer - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
Up to £20.0000 per hour
Council Tax Billing Officer - Basildon Borough CouncilBasildon, Essex£20 per Hour PAYE / £25.65 Umbrella Full Time, Temporary Essex County Council (EC England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Health and Safety Risk Adviser

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839- £47,181 per annum
Are you someone who is able to make impactful decisions? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Health and Safety Risk Adviser

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839- £47,181 per annum
Are you someone who is able to make impactful decisions? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Fostering Panel Advisor

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
This is a brilliant opportunity to join our Fostering Service in a brand-new role focused on supporting our Fostering Panels.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    A Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,979 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner