Story perspectives

Strikes Erupt Across UK: Pay Disputes Disrupt Services

10/18/2025

Summary

Unison Strikes Continue

Unison members at Wakefield museum have been on strike since mid-August over pay, leaving services limited.
Christina McAnea, General Secretary of Unison, says management prolongs the strike, costing more than a fair pay rise.
Birmingham City Council faces accusations of blacklisting agency workers who join the bin strike, which it denies.
In Wales, First Cymru drivers will strike from October 22 over fair pay and backpay, disrupting public transport.

Summary

Firefighters Strike Safety

Firefighters across New Zealand launched a one-hour strike over unsafe conditions and stalled pay talks.
About 2,000 members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) participated, including frontline firefighters and emergency dispatchers.
The union cited under-resourced services and outdated equipment as public-safety risks.
Mediation is scheduled before October 28 after the union rejected a 5.1% pay increase over three years.

History

Historical Context

The 1984-1985 UK miners' strike, led by Arthur Scargill of the National Union of Mineworkers, arose from opposition to pit closures proposed by the National Coal Board. This major industrial action involved over 1 million workers and resulted in 26 million lost workdays. The strike ended on March 3, 1985, marking a significant defeat for trade unions and reshaping labor relations in Britain.

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Unison Strikes Continue

Unison members at Wakefield museum have been on strike since mid-August over pay, leaving services limited.
Christina McAnea, General Secretary of Unison, says management prolongs the strike, costing more than a fair pay rise.
Birmingham City Council faces accusations of blacklisting agency workers who join the bin strike, which it denies.
In Wales, First Cymru drivers will strike from October 22 over fair pay and backpay, disrupting public transport.

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