January Strike Dates

As one year ends, another begins. But the struggles of 2022 haven’t gone away, and January 2023 continues to see industrial action affecting Greater Manchester. Here’s a rundown of this month’s strikes and ballots, and the reasons that workers are going on strike.

UCU members vote for strike action in ‘historic’ ballot

University and College Union (UCU) members voted overwhelmingly for strike action last month, to increase pay and improve conditions (81.1%) and reverse cuts to pensions (84.9%) in ‘historic’ ballot. If the dispute remains unresolved, up to 70,000 workers across 150 universities will strike over three days at the end of November.

When is it illegal to strike?

In the UK, never. But it’s often unlawful. The climate strikes have highlighted the draconian British anti-union legislation and exposed confusion about the law and the consequences of striking unofficially. TUC solidarity organiser Ian Allinson explains the current legal framework – and how it needs to be changed.

Burnham brands ‘fire and rehire’ practices ‘industrial blackmail’

Andy Burnham met Go North West bosses last week to discuss service disruption.

While careful to distinguish the industrial dispute between GNW and its drivers from other instances of ‘fire and rehire’ practices, the mayor says issuing Section 188 notices to renegotiate workers’ employment contracts is tantamount to ‘industrial blackmail’.