Calls for union unity over strikes

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Industrial action by postal staff, firefighters, teachers and other workers could be co-ordinated amid growing signs of anger over pay, pensions, jobs and privatisation.

The Communication Workers Union is to ballot its members for strikes over issues linked to the Government's controversial plans to privatise the Royal Mail

The Communication Workers Union is to ballot its members for strikes over issues linked to the Government's controversial plans to privatise the Royal Mail, firefighters have voted to strike, and teachers in eight English regions are to stage two days of walkouts next month.

The disputes will feature during debates at next week's TUC Congress in Bournemouth, where unions will pledge support for those in dispute.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said it was possible action could be co-ordinated, adding that the disputes showed how "out of touch" the Government was.

The public was against the Royal Mail sell-off and was not in favour of firefighters working later in life, she said.

Ms O'Grady said she had met with unions who have held or are planning ballots, and despite the "hurdles" surrounding industrial action, there were ways the TUC could help spread messages to the public.

Last year's TUC Congress called for a study into the practicalities of a general strike, but Ms O'Grady said it was more appropriate to focus on the disputes which were breaking out in a number of industries and sectors.

The TUC leader said she wanted to shine a spotlight next week on what was happening to ordinary families across the country, often struggling to make ends meet.

"Signs of economic recovery are obviously welcome, but they are not based on wage growth, they are based on household debt.

"There has been a 6% cut in real pay since the crash, and people are still finding things very tough.

"We have big problems with youth unemployment and the new phenomenon of under-employment. Four out of five jobs created since the crash are in low paid industries, and nearly half are temporary."

Ms O'Grady said full employment, decent and affordable homes and fair pay were issues the TUC will be campaigning on, amid complaints of growing pay inequality.

"A smaller share of the national cake goes into wage packets, yet one of the best ways to boost demand is to improve workers' bargaining power.

"We must aspire to create more decent jobs rather than a new servant class on rubbish pay and precarious conditions."

Ms O'Grady said she believed Labour leader Ed Miliband will get a good reception when he addresses the conference next Tuesday, despite tensions over his planned affiliation reforms.

The GMB has announced it will cut its affiliation funding from £1.2 million to £150,000 from January following Mr Miliband's call for union members to opt in to joining Labour rather than being automatically affiliated, a decision which could cost the party millions of pounds.

Ms O'Grady said there always seemed to be tensions between Labour and the unions, but she did not detect any desire to break the historic link.

Bob Crow, leader of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, said next week's TUC Congress marked the point where talking had to stop, and action start.

"With our colleagues in the postal sector and the fire service looking at the prospect of action over the coming month, and unions across industries and services the length and breadth of Britain engaged in fights over jobs, privatisation, working conditions and pensions, there has never been a better time to unite the struggles into co-ordinated action."