5 week strike. What’s that all about then?

[Sep200024]

Just wondering about the logistics of this more than anything, really.

How many people can afford to go 5 weeks without pay? Is that really what this means?

How come such a huge discrepancy in length of time compared to the sporadic 1 or 2 days strike action in other areas?

I get that 5 weeks will have a bigger impact, but you could say that about any of the other industries striking too.

I just don’t see where 5 weeks came from as a length of time. Seems so random!

There already is a backlog this will make it worse

It's five weeks because they expect the government to cave early and it won't be five weeks

Why would the government cave in, they will all have their passports.

The RCN only paid £50 a day for nurses on strike. I can't imagine unions can afford enough money for every single person to strike for five weeks.

I was really shocked to hear this. I think it's disgusting. To say, from the off, we plan to strike for 5 weeks is seriously taking the piss.

‘No wonder we have had years of tory rule, going by these attitudes.’

So if it is all down to Tory rule, why are the Portuguese passport inspectors on strike?

Because other governments can be rubbish too?

Strikes happen in other countries. That doesn't mean one in the UK isn't justified.

They won't. Every single person striking will be taking a serious financial hit, I can promise you. They won't be doing it lightly.

Teachers do not get strike pay. Arrant nonsense.

People ought to renew their passports with plenty of time to spare to be fair. I did mine in January ready for the summer, if you hang on and wait until the last minute on your head be it.

Do other civil service departments have different unions, then?

Just wondering why the passport office in particular have gone for such a long strike when everywhere else has just done 1 day 🤷‍♀️

I dont understand how people will be able to strike for weeks. How many people can afford to lost over a month's wages?

There are a few unions but the unions cover multiple depts. PCS is the same union that has organised all the day strikes. I guess they are doing 5 weeks now because they think it’ll work.

for those who think civil servants will have a nice holiday , we have staff shortages in almost every dept so feel free to join!

This. A few strike days won't make much of a difference with passports but several weeks at once will have a big impact, hopefully big enough that the government has to negotiate.

Though five weeks doesn't seem that long, had a strike in my country last year that lasted over 100 days!

You could pitch that argument with most civil service departments though? And also most of the other industries that have been striking.

There’s no other organisations that has gone for anything more than 2 days. Of course longer would have more impact. 5 weeks is a bit of a jump though from 1 or 2 days.

True, with most industries a longer strike would be far more effective, perhaps they're the only ones brave enough to try it so far?

The junior doctors were out for 72 hours this week.