Minister: mass strike is mistake
A MASS walkout by public sector workers would be a “colossal mistake,” according to Treasury minister Danny Alexander.
Unions are threatening to stage the biggest strikes in nearly a century over public cuts and pension reforms.
Alexander sparked the strike threats last week with his announcement that public workers will have to work later in life and pay more for their pensions, despite talks on the proposed changes still taking place.
The Lib Dem MP says the coalition must push ahead with the pension reform but said exact changes are still up for discussion.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls also warned trade unions against taking strike action.
He said the walkouts, which could be the most severe industrial action since 1926 when millions joined a nine-day general strike in support of coal miners, would play into the hands of chancellor George Osborne.
He accused the chancellor of laying a trap for the unions, which could be used as a scapegoat should the economy falter.
About 750,000 workers, including teachers and job centre staff, have already said they will stage coordinated action this month. Tube workers also began a planned wave of walkouts last night, although the effect on passengers was said to be minimal.