Strike unions warned against 'playing with fire'
Unions are supporting strike action to oppose public sector pension reform.
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Saturday, 26, Nov 2011 02:20
By Beth Curtis
Senior government officials reportedly believe union leaders are acting "irresponsibly" by calling for widespread strikes.
According to the Daily Mail, a senior government source has accused organisations backing a one-day walkout across the public sector of "playing with fire".
Teachers, transport workers, hospital staff and UK Border Agency officials are among the employees expected to strike on Wednesday November 30th.
However, many have condemned the move, at a point where unemployment is high and the country's economic position is precarious.
According to the newspaper, one source said: "Union leaders hardly have a ringing endorsement from their members for very disruptive strikes and encouraging people to lose a day's pay.
"The case for changing the law becomes harder to resist if they behave so irresponsibly. They are playing with fire."
Meanwhile, Cabint Office minister Francis Maude told the Daily Telegraph that poor turnout and high levels of disruption will mean "the case for reform gets stronger".
Thousands of public sector workers are supporting action over proposed changes to their pension schemes, which they claim are unfair and unjust.