UK government meets unions but fails to end wave of strikes
British government ministers have met trade union leaders but have fallen short of ending a wave of strikes that has hobbled the U.K.’s rail network and overburdened health system
LONDON (AP) — U.K. government ministers met trade union leaders on Monday but fell short of ending a wave of strikes that has hobbled the rail network and strained the overburdened health system.
There were small signs of progress but no breakthrough after a meeting between Health Secretary Steve Barclay and health care unions. Other ministers met with railway unions that have staged months of strikes, and teaching unions considering classroom walkouts.
Barclay said the talks had made progress and the government wanted "to work constructively with the trade unions.”
“There was definitely a change of tone today," said Sarah Gorton of UNISON, which represents some health workers. However Onay Kasab, negotiator for the Unite union, said the talks had been a “missed opportunity.”
