Full Breakdown
Strikes Across the UK and New Zealand: A Focus on Pay Disputes
10/18/2025, 1:49:40 AM
British Library Workers Prepare for Strike Action
Workers at the British Library in London are set to strike from October 27 to November 9, following a 98% vote in favor of industrial action by over 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS). The strike is in response to a second consecutive year of below-inflation pay rises, with PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote stating that workers are "livid" over what they perceive as an "insulting pay offer." The British Library has proposed a formal pay increase of 3% for the 2025/26 year, with a minimum increase of 2.4% or £800, whichever is higher. However, the union argues this does not adequately address the financial struggles faced by its members, many of whom are forced to take on second jobs to meet living costs.
New Zealand Firefighters Strike Over Safety and Pay
In New Zealand, approximately 2,000 members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) participated in a one-hour nationwide strike on October 16, demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The strike was prompted by stalled negotiations with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), which had offered a 5.1% pay increase over three years, a proposal the union rejected. NZPFU representatives highlighted ongoing issues such as under-resourced fire services, aging equipment, and staffing shortages, which they claim compromise public safety. FENZ has urged the public to remain cautious during the strike, warning of potential delays in emergency response times.
Criticism and Opposition
The PCS has criticized the British Library's pay offer as inadequate, emphasizing the detrimental impact of low wages on workers' health and financial stability. Heathcote called for senior management to recognize the vital role of library staff. In New Zealand, NZPFU vice president Martin Campbell echoed similar sentiments, stating that the current state of the fire service is "dire" and that firefighters have not received a pay rise since July 2023. Campbell described the strike as a last resort, reflecting deep frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding staffing and equipment.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for the British Library reaffirmed its commitment to being a "living wage foundation employer," stating that the proposed pay increase is designed to benefit lower pay bands. In response to the strike, FENZ's deputy national commander, Megan Stiffler, expressed disappointment over the NZPFU's decision to strike, emphasizing that the organization has been negotiating in good faith and is committed to reaching a fair settlement.
What's Next
Both the British Library and FENZ are facing ongoing negotiations with their respective unions. The British Library strike is set to commence shortly, while FENZ has applied for mediation with the Employment Relations Authority, with a hearing scheduled for October 28. The outcomes of these negotiations will be critical in determining the future of labor relations in both sectors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They are livid at yet another insulting pay offer that does little to alleviate the health problems that many suffer from because of low pay.” — Fran Heathcote, General Secretary, PCS
- “When our members strike, they do so as a last resort.” — NZPFU
- “We consider the offer is sustainable, balances cost of living pressures faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency, and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement,” — Megan Stiffler, Deputy National Commander, FENZ
This ongoing wave of strikes highlights the growing tensions between workers and management in both the UK and New Zealand, as employees advocate for fair compensation and improved working conditions.
