UK labor unions warn of surge in strikes

[December 30, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- Union leaders say there will be a surge in strikes next year to protest the government's harsh spending cuts -- and they may even affect Britain's royal wedding.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said on Thursday that walkouts could become widespread in 2011 as workers feel the impact of Britain's austerity measures.

Treasury chief George Osborne has announced 81 billion pounds ($128 billion) in spending cuts through 2015, which will see as many as 330,000 public sector jobs lost and trim welfare payments.

The Public and Commercial Services Union says it is planning strikes for late April or early May, which could potentially impact on the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29.

[Associated Press]

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