Council Workers Strike (3)
Yesterday's strike action appears set to rumble on for a while yet - with the focus shifting to 'selective' strikes amongst small groups within individual councils.
If so, this is the first big sign of weakness from the union side - because it confirms that ordinary union members don't have the stomach for more days of 'all out' action - and the loss of earnings that will inevitably result.
But moving to 'selective' action is not a good sign (for the unions at least) - because the issue will now disappear off the radar screen and support for any kind of strike action will slowly run out of steam.
So, not much of a strategy there from the trade unions - who just keep repeating their demands for a 5% or £1,000 pay rise (whichever is greater) - knowing full well that the council employers are never going to meet these terms.
Meanwhile, the council employers feel confident enough to declare that the trade unions need a reality check - if the dispute is to be settled by negotiation: "Wake up and smell the coffee", their spokesperson says.
Without an outbreak of common sense - and a display of leadership on the union side - the whole sorry business could indeed drag on for weeks yet.
But the solution is there for all to see - repackage the offer and do a deal that helps protect the lower paid.
If so, this is the first big sign of weakness from the union side - because it confirms that ordinary union members don't have the stomach for more days of 'all out' action - and the loss of earnings that will inevitably result.
But moving to 'selective' action is not a good sign (for the unions at least) - because the issue will now disappear off the radar screen and support for any kind of strike action will slowly run out of steam.
So, not much of a strategy there from the trade unions - who just keep repeating their demands for a 5% or £1,000 pay rise (whichever is greater) - knowing full well that the council employers are never going to meet these terms.
Meanwhile, the council employers feel confident enough to declare that the trade unions need a reality check - if the dispute is to be settled by negotiation: "Wake up and smell the coffee", their spokesperson says.
Without an outbreak of common sense - and a display of leadership on the union side - the whole sorry business could indeed drag on for weeks yet.
But the solution is there for all to see - repackage the offer and do a deal that helps protect the lower paid.
