The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region has joined with other regional leaders to support striking workers.
Industrial action is taking place across a number of sectors and industries at present, with workers and unions angry about pay, conditions and threats to cut jobs against a backdrop of soaring inflation. The RMT union has already held a number of national rail strikes, while Stagecoach bus drivers in Liverpool also walked out this week. BT staff have also voted for a first national strike in 35 years and criminal barristers are also out on strike.
While the government has tried to turn public opinions against those organising the strikes, opinion polls show many people support the right to withdraw labour and argue for fair pay rises. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has come under pressure after reports that he sought to stop any of his front bench members joining with striking workers on the recent RMT picket lines.
READ MORE: Liverpool bus strikes begin as Stagecoach staff walk out
But now a number of high profile Labour mayors have made their position on the situation clear; stating that they support the rights of workers to strike during this cost of living crisis.
One of those mayors is Steve Rotheram, who leads the Liverpool City Region. He released a joint statement with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard and Nik Johnson, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The statement reads: "As metro mayors we work every day with business to boost our regional economies. Our Good Work Charters and Good Work Pledges are supported by hundreds of enlightened employers covering tens of thousands of workers. Many employers are exemplary and look after their workforce.
"Sadly, this doesn't always happen. We've seen a worrying increase in fire and rehire. No one wants to see strikes happening. But at times, the only means working people have left to defend their livelihoods is industrial action. We support the right to take action to protect jobs, safety, pensions, pay and conditions."
The mayors added that the cost of living crisis is forcing an "increasing number of people into industrial disputes", adding: "Rail workers, criminal barristers, airport check-in staff. And there could be many more, including teachers, doctors, other NHS staff, postal and telecoms workers. This affects everyone."
They concluded: "Paying a fair wage to the people who keep our country running isn't too much to ask. We urge employers to meet with trade unions and negotiate and end to these disputes."
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