|
"We
want to have a grown up, honest conversation with all union
leaders about what is responsible, what is reasonable and what
is affordable for our country when it comes to pay," Sunak told
reporters during a visit to a school in London.
"We think that those conversations should happen. That's why
we've invited everyone in to have those talks on Monday and I'm
hopeful that those talks can be constructive."
The government has called on unions to cancel strikes while it
holds talks, but also plans to bring in legislation to make key
public services like ambulances maintain minimum safety levels
during industrial action by staff.
Late on Thursday, Unite, one of Britain's largest trade unions,
criticised the government's offer of talks as "game-playing and
gimmicks" and said its planned strikes, which include ambulance
workers in Wales this month, would go ahead.
Tens of thousands of workers across several sectors have taken
strike action over the last few months as they demand pay rises
that better reflect double-digit levels of inflation.
Among the latest to resort to industrial action are workers at
the government's Environment Agency. A union representing junior
doctors in England on Friday said they would walk out for 72
hours in March if a ballot for strikes is successful.
Some 40,000 rail workers began another 48-hour strike on Friday
in a long-running dispute, while nurses are due to walk out
again on Jan. 18 and 19.
(Reporting by William James, writing by Sachin Ravikumar,
Editing by Kylie MacLellan)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
