News by email Donate

Suggestions

Rail Strikes.JPG
Rail Strikes.JPG
UK News

Former trade union official says Christians should support striking workers

by Sophie Drew

Rail strikes have caused furore amongst commuters and students attending exams as train cancellations continue. 

Workers are striking over poor pay, a lack of job security and issues surrounding the safety of employees. 

Many that would usually take the train to work are now being forced to do their jobs from their homes, where possible. 

The Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the government can't allow "militant unions" to win the argument over rail strikes.

However, Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central and former trade-union official, told Premier Christian News that people of faith should support the striking workers. 

She said: "It's absolutely right that we draw back and look at what's happening; we've got an out of control economy which is struggling and, as a result of that, we need to put the right economic priorities in place.

"That isn't what is happening at the moment and therefore we are seeing huge inequality and people in deprivation.

"So of course, closing that gap it is of vital importance. 

"Of course, we're all being inconvenienced. I have a five-and-a-half hour journey back to my constituency, which would normally take under two hours. 

"I think we've got to see things through other people's eyes.

"I think as Christians, it's really important that we step back and think about what it means for somebody on the picket line who is not only experiencing low pay, but is making a sacrifices not just for them but their fellow workers as well, in order to get decency and respect at work, and I think we should show sympathy and support."

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

Connect

Donate