Northern Ireland Conservatives spokesperson, Bill McKendry, has described the planned 24 hour strike by health and education workers, called by the public sector union Unison, as “irresponsible”.
“Only 18% of Unison members in Northern Ireland actually voted for this strike on October 5th”, Bill commented, “If they believe that they are hurting politicians by their actions, then they are sadly mistaken. The people who will really suffer are those who rely most on public services; older people, the ill and children.”
“Unison says it is striking to protect jobs and to oppose spending cuts. Yet a little flexibility from trades unions could still help save front-line jobs in the public sector and the government’s swift action to tackle the deficit has prevented the UK from plunging into financial crisis.”
“We need only look at Greece to see a perfect example of a country which hasn’t managed to produce a credible plan to combat debt. Similar problems have seen the United States’ credit rating slashed.”
“It’s clear that the majority of union members don’t want strikes. These stoppages are being foisted upon them by a highly politicised minority who have been spoiling for a fight with the government. This stoppage isn’t in the interests of public sector workers and it certainly isn’t in the interest of the people they serve. Unison should heed the wishes of the vast majority of the public and call off this grossly irresponsible and unnecessary strike right now.”