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Thread: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

  1. #1

    Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Lowest number of strikes (79) during 2017 since records begun in 1891 with just 33,000 employees involved.

    Has Blighty become a workers' paradise with contentment reaching an all-time high?

    - The number of strikes in the UK last year was the lowest recorded to date, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

    There were 79 stoppages in 2017, the lowest figures since records began in 1891.

    The number of workers involved in labour disputes also fell to an all-time low of 33,000. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44300117

  2. #2
    International jon1959's Avatar
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    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    The number of zero-hours, non-unionised workers has reached a 126-year low.

    Just coincidence.

  3. #3

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by jon1959 View Post
    The number of zero-hours, non-unionised workers has reached a 126-year low.

    Just coincidence.
    And a changes to unemployment benefit rules.

  4. #4

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Organ Morgan. View Post
    Lowest number of strikes (79) during 2017 since records begun in 1891 with just 33,000 employees involved.

    Has Blighty become a workers' paradise with contentment reaching an all-time high?

    - The number of strikes in the UK last year was the lowest recorded to date, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

    There were 79 stoppages in 2017, the lowest figures since records began in 1891.

    The number of workers involved in labour disputes also fell to an all-time low of 33,000. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44300117
    Good news - The Trade Union Barons have obviously had their day. Good riddance.

  5. #5

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick View Post
    Good news - The Trade Union Barons have obviously had their day. Good riddance.
    When are you going to have your Ebeneezer Scrooge moment?

  6. #6

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick View Post
    Good news - The Trade Union Barons have obviously had their day. Good riddance.
    And yet we are still less productive than our strike loving, four day a week cheese eating surrender monkeys from across the Channel

  7. #7

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by cyril evans awaydays View Post
    And yet we are still less productive than our strike loving, four day a week cheese eating surrender monkeys from across the Channel
    That, I have to say, is a somewhat racist comment.

  8. #8

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick View Post
    That, I have to say, is a somewhat racist comment.
    Which bit?

  9. #9

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by jon1959 View Post
    The number of zero-hours, non-unionised workers has reached a 126-year low.

    Just coincidence.
    It's called the gig economy for those who prefer not to use the word exploitative. I look in the window of an employment agency shop window whenever I pass and have yet to see a full-time job advertised on any of its cards.

    Another record low: UK household saving ratio hit record low in 2017, says Office for National Statistics https://www.independent.co.uk/news/b...-a8279016.html

    Savings sliding, household debt rising and unprecedented job insecurity make for lots of foodbanks, homeless people and beggars galore.

  10. #10
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    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    I started work in 1978, did a year in Technical college 1st, so was effectively into a 2nd year of my apprenticeship, the engineering Union (AUEW) as it was known, were on a 2 day strike the day I started work, I think I saw the best and worst of Unions during this time, some dedicated members and some real bad'ns, the bullies always seemed to get their way, whilst the genuine member representatives got swerved. Effectively forced to join on finishing my apprenticeship, (young and in awe of the bullies), I do wholly agree in principle with unions, but they were out of control back then as was the Thatcher Government, a recipe for disaster on two fronts!!!, times change of course, and this zero hour contract nonsense is a disgrace, although it suits some.

  11. #11

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    It is what it is. I recently wanted some translation done, via a website I paid a woman in Mexico $50 US, the equivalent in the UK was Ł150. Im all for supporting UK business whenever I can but for this bit of work I went elsewhere.

    I agree with your sentiment though - however - FoodBanks..... France had foodbanks 17 years before the UK had them, France is a similar population size to ours, France processes a lot more food through their foodbanks than we do (there are various reasons) but over there it is seen as the state intervening to socially help out those in need, while in the UK it's seen as a social stigma that shames the Govt.
    Are you sure about your last point? The French state have aided foodbanks by accepting funds from the EU which subsidise them and additionally making supermarkets donate their unused food. Can't remember too many Frenchmen lauding their use on my visits to France.

  12. #12

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Nelsonca61 View Post
    I started work in 1978, did a year in Technical college 1st, so was effectively into a 2nd year of my apprenticeship, the engineering Union (AUEW) as it was known, were on a 2 day strike the day I started work, I think I saw the best and worst of Unions during this time, some dedicated members and some real bad'ns, the bullies always seemed to get their way, whilst the genuine member representatives got swerved. Effectively forced to join on finishing my apprenticeship, (young and in awe of the bullies), I do wholly agree in principle with unions, but they were out of control back then as was the Thatcher Government, a recipe for disaster on two fronts!!!, times change of course, and this zero hour contract nonsense is a disgrace, although it suits some.
    I can recall the same good and bad union leaders ,those who cared and the ones who were simply radicals ,mainly single idealistic man willing to live on nothing and happy to strike for weeks, always senior men who owned the best duties and overtime perks .

    I can recall workers not affording posh holidays or cars , now most have two to three holidays a year and own more than one car .
    Employment law is now strong thanks to European driven laws , and in the main employers are more caring of thier workforce , guess thats why there are less strikes , a more content and better off workforce , with to much too lose .

  13. #13

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    French food bank usage is 4 times higher than the UK - BUT that is because the French mandated super markets to give spare food to food banks a few years back. 300,000 tonnes of food in Frances , 47,000 tonnes in the UK - we have similar population sizes.

    Donating food and stopping waste is a great thing isnt it ?

    ps - the mrs lived in Paris for 7 years mate, it was seen as a social thing - in the circles she mixed in anyway. She didnt ask the rest of France though
    Fully agree about the better more efficient provision delivered by foodbanks in France, they're better supported by a number of policies implemented by the French government. As an example of the difference with the UK, Cameron's government refused funding offered by the EU in relation to supporting foodbanks in this country.

    I'm all for stopping waste and food being provided for those in need, although weirdly I'd much prefer those in need not being in that position to have to rely on charity and goodwill.

  14. #14

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by life on mars View Post
    I can recall the same good and bad union leaders ,those who cared and the ones who were simply radicals ,mainly single idealistic man willing to live on nothing and happy to strike for weeks, always senior men who owned the best duties and overtime perks .

    I can recall workers not affording posh holidays or cars , now most have two to three holidays a year and own more than one car .
    Employment law is now strong thanks to European driven laws , and in the main employers are more caring of thier workforce , guess thats why there are less strikes , a more content and better off workforce , with to much too lose .
    That's a silly way to measure wealth.

    People have more foreign holidays because foreign holidays are cheaper. Businesses possess far more computers than the 70's, it doesn't mean that all businesses have loads of money and should be giving more pay to their staff or discounts to their customers does it?

  15. #15

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by life on mars View Post
    I can recall the same good and bad union leaders ,those who cared and the ones who were simply radicals ,mainly single idealistic man willing to live on nothing and happy to strike for weeks, always senior men who owned the best duties and overtime perks .

    I can recall workers not affording posh holidays or cars , now most have two to three holidays a year and own more than one car .
    Employment law is now strong thanks to European driven laws , and in the main employers are more caring of thier workforce , guess thats why there are less strikes , a more content and better off workforce , with to much too lose .
    I have the impression you're of similar age to me. If your grandparents, great aunties and uncles were like mine then none of the females worked, nor did they need to as their husbands' income provided enough to feed and clothe the whole family and pay the mortgage without the aid of any benefits supplement save for a pittance in Family Allowance for a second and subsequent sprog. Those mothers nurtured their kids, not strangers that cost an arm and a leg, and as far as I'm aware none of them were ever up to their tits in debt. What a contrast to today.

  16. #16

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    France, like the UK seems to produce too much food, given the amount we were throwing away.
    So - your choice is - give the surplus away to a foodbank for people to use , or throw it in the bin for compost.

    What does my nut in - is politics , if in the UK those on left make a statement re we shouldnt be doing it and people shouldnt be relying on it - why not - it's food, it's going to waste otherwise. Maybe we should stop making so much food - try telling that to a French farmer - you would be lynched before lunch time - I cant think of a French politician that has stood up to the French farmers and won. Even the EU and Common Agricultural Policy was adjusted for their benefit.

    So you are back to the original point - it is what it is - in France it's seen as a socially just policy that helps out those less fortunate , in the UK it's a social stigma. I dont think oil rich countries charge a great deal for oil to their citizens who maybe otherwise couldn't afford to drive.

    Slightly off topic but the EU imposes high tariffs on food imports - so that they can keep the cost of food higher than what it should be, sensible policy or not ?
    Feedy,

    I've never actually looked at it that way. Very pragmatic, very practical but also illustrates why politics is awash with policies that look after self interests and specific groups or industries to the detriment of the general public.

    Regarding the EU tariffs on food see my above point, I always assume (perhaps wrongly) it's a decision made to maintain support from a strong industry where the status quo rely on their support.

    Be fair, French farmers riot, torch Welsh lambs and can put a barricade up almost with Special Forces speed and precision. I generally think most politicians on the continent don't want to piiss them off

  17. #17

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by Organ Morgan. View Post
    I have the impression you're of similar age to me. If your grandparents, great aunties and uncles were like mine then none of the females worked, nor did they need to as their husbands' income provided enough to feed and clothe the whole family and pay the mortgage without the aid of any benefits supplement save for a pittance in Family Allowance for a second and subsequent sprog. Those mothers nurtured their kids, not strangers that cost an arm and a leg, and as far as I'm aware none of them were ever up to their tits in debt. What a contrast to today.
    Yes your point is well made. Different times , I got folk in my family pleading poverty with 2 cars , a 200k mortgage etc etc , poverty as I touched it was having no food for school and begging a share of my mates sandwiches.

    Benefits and income support for my poor mam ,wern't that readily available, went to work on a farm at 14, on the weekends , for pocket money .

  18. #18

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    pm sent
    Perhaps another war could fix it?

  19. #19

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Apologies butt. Not a prolific user of the message board. I'll stand corrected. My reply to your post stands.

    Regards ninianclark


  20. #20

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    "Fully agree about the better more efficient provision delivered by foodbanks in France, they're better supported by a number of policies implemented by the French government. As an example of the difference with the UK, Cameron's government refused funding offered by the EU in relation to supporting foodbanks in this country."

    So in France foodbanks are better supported by the French Govt - I can imagine the headlines if that happened here "Govt capitulates on FoodBanks" "Govt secretly helping Foodbanks" etc - are the French Govt criticised fro doing this ? - I dont think they are - which proves my point.
    You can imagine all you want but you can't subsequently use those imagined realities as evidence to prove yourself right (or maybe you can, this is ccmb after all)

  21. #21

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    "Fully agree about the better more efficient provision delivered by foodbanks in France, they're better supported by a number of policies implemented by the French government. As an example of the difference with the UK, Cameron's government refused funding offered by the EU in relation to supporting foodbanks in this country."

    So in France foodbanks are better supported by the French Govt - I can imagine the headlines if that happened here "Govt capitulates on FoodBanks" "Govt secretly helping Foodbanks" etc - are the French Govt criticised fro doing this ? - I dont think they are - which proves my point.

    "I'm all for stopping waste and food being provided for those in need, although weirdly I'd much prefer those in need not being in that position to have to rely on charity and goodwill."

    SO you want people less well off to pay exorbitant prices to keep French farmers afloat - or are you happy instead that the French Govt insists that excess food is given to foodbanks ?

    French farmers are a very powerful lobby group in France. If you wanted a really level playing field that helped those impoverished African farmers - then the EU wouldnt impose tariffs on food - inflating the price of food to an artificial level. They may then help keep people in their own countries, lower the price of food for people in the EU etc - it's called the redistribution of wealth and is socialist principal. The problem it - it never really works. Venezuelan is a working example.
    Just a couple of points there butt...

    1. The EU offered the monies to assist foodbanks not the UK government.
    2. You edited my response. I'd mentioned that there are groups and industries with self interest overriding the needs of the general populace.

    Apart from that...

  22. #22

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    sorry mate - I know the EU offered money to the UK Govt re food banks - and I guess it was turned down for political reasons (you cant have it both ways - you either want food banks or you dont)

    Re point 2 - that is basic politics mate. The Labour party in its original format was a pressure group, same as french farmers. Utopian politics - doesnt work - so 'we' try and govern ourselves as best as possible. The sugar industry for years as been allowed to sell sugary drinks to kids - because of bad science. Fat bad - sugar ok. Now we know this is incorrect so the Govt change it etc etc etc etc

    ps - I see today that the unemployment figures in the US are the lowest for 18 years..
    Think the UK unemployment is equally low.

  23. #23

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by life on mars View Post
    Think the UK unemployment is equally low.
    Yet the use/need for foodbanks is at a high. Make of that whatever you will?

  24. #24

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    No need for apologies butt, although you do have a habit of being rather blinkered and assuming what I may or not want

    Regarding the sugar tax, it's molly coddling/nanny state gone way too far and my biggest reason for saying that is its fuucking killed the taste of San Pelligrino. I'm genuinely devastated.

  25. #25

    Re: Number of UK strikes hit a 126-year low

    Quote Originally Posted by ninianclark View Post
    sorry mate - I know the EU offered money to the UK Govt re food banks - and I guess it was turned down for political reasons (you cant have it both ways - you either want food banks or you dont)

    Re point 2 - that is basic politics mate. The Labour party in its original format was a pressure group, same as french farmers. Utopian politics - doesnt work - so 'we' try and govern ourselves as best as possible. The sugar industry for years as been allowed to sell sugary drinks to kids - because of bad science. Fat bad - sugar ok. Now we know this is incorrect so the Govt change it etc etc etc etc

    ps - I see today that the unemployment figures in the US are the lowest for 18 years..
    The number's fake. Unemployment rate is 3.8%, working age labour non participation rate (jobless!) is 95.9 million. US official population is 327 million. I said in another thread that if they calculated the unemployment rate as they did until Clinton's admin changed it (in '94, if memory serves) it would stand today at 22%. At the height of the Great Depression in the USA the maximum unemployment reached was 25%.

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