Brooks’ Comments: Planned Public Sector Strikes

Public sector workers across the country are planning to go on strike on Wednesday 30th November. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is coordinating the proposed strike which is expected to involve members of unions from a wide range of public sector professions.

Brooks says, "I am as disappointed as many of my constituents whose children’s education will be disrupted by the forthcoming strike action, in addition to those parents who will be enormously inconvenienced and out of pocket as they scramble for additional childcare.

I have huge respect for the hard-working men and women who keep our vital public services running. We depend on them every day and they do a brilliant job. That’s why I am disappointed that union bosses are ordering millions of public sector workers to strike next week — even while talks are under way and only a quarter of actual union members backed industrial action. The Government has been prepared to listen. That’s why we have made sure that anyone who is within ten years of retirement will be able to retire on their current terms.

I am very aware that people working for ordinary businesses in our area and all over the country are facing tough times. Yet unions want hard working local people to pay even more in taxes — rather than share the burden. The reality is that we are all living longer so people will have to work longer. And public sector workers who earn more will have to pay more so other taxpayers on less generous pension deals don't pick up a tab they can’t afford.

I join the Government in urging Union Leaders and those striking public sector workers in our area to think again and to work normally next Wednesday. The victims of these strikes will be the people who pay your wages in our area – the ordinary people of Britain. At a time when we are all trying to get the economy back on its feet, a strike is the last thing anyone needs.”