Business leaders criticise TUC¹s unhelpful strikes stance

North West Regional Chairman at the Institute of Directors, Tony Attard OBE

Criticising the vote in favour of ‘coordinated action’ against the Government’s public sector pensions reforms at the Trades Union Congress, Tony Attard, North West Committee Chair for the Institute of Directors, said: “During the financial crisis most private sector unions worked responsibly with management and they have saved jobs by doing so. While industries like car manufacturing flourish on the back of a co-operative attitude from their trade unions, it’s tragic to see that public sector unions are still committed to disruptive strikes for their own sake.

“The Government is rightly sticking to the crucial policy of deficit reduction. The taxpayer cannot afford to provide public sector unions with the seemingly limitless cash they demand – and it’s vital that the Government, as their employer, stands firm. The TUC should be following the example of Unite representatives at Ellesmere Port, who saved thousands of jobs by being flexible and positive, rather than pursuing this damaging strike fetish.”