Strikes & Events

[Horizon22]

Somewhat related to theScotrail dispute in this thread, do we think that certain groups are taking advantage of unrelated situations & events to try and push for pay rises or better terms and conditions that wouldn't be offered to other groups in other locations? I'm not saying this is right on wrong but forms part of a trend perhaps. Or is this something that's always happened? Is it opportunism or a chance for maligned groups to have some leverage for issues they have been fighting for months / years?

Notably with COP26 going on the Scotrail dispute has been resolved after a pay deal was offered: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-59071375

Strike action which threatened to cripple rail services in Scotland during COP26 has been called off after the RMT accepted a pay deal.
The union said the offer would provide them with a one year 2.5% pay rise, improved conditions and a £300 COP payment for all ScotRail staff.
It also means an end to Sunday strikes which have been ongoing since March

And today council strikes have been called off in a similar fashion: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-59090248

Threatened bins strikes during the COP26 climate summit have been called off after a £48m offer to unions.
The planned walk out by council staff in Glasgow and across Scotland is now suspended while unions consult members.
Local authority body Cosla proposed a pay rise of 5.8% for the lowest paid staff as part of a £1,062 increase for all staff earning below £25,000.
The BBC understands the deal involves £30m from the Scottish government and £18.5m from local government.

 

[nlogax]

This sort of opportunism has always happened to some extent. As time goes on it with increased media coverage and social media chat about potential impact of strikes on events it does seem as though unions are becoming much more savvy or even brazen about when to threaten action.

 

[Gloster]

But is there anything like the same amount of media coverage when ‘entrepreneurs’ take the opportunity to ramp up the cost of accommodation, meals, transport, etc?

 

[Horizon22]

But is there anything like the same amount of media coverage when ‘entrepreneurs’ take the opportunity to ramp up the cost of accommodation, meals, transport, etc?

Occasionally. Normally gets a press line or two around Edinburgh festival time as an example.

 

[peri]

So when would be a good time to push for pay rises or better terms and conditions?
I don't think I have ever heard bosses say that it was just the right time!
What advice can we give unions as to their best strategy to look after their members interests?
With rail it seems that actions well short of going on strike can have great impact.
The main thing would be for the unions to work together, but always be aware that for the
Tories union bashing is advantageous as well as instinctive.