Striking for a fair day’s pay

Undoubtedly, the strikes by council workers across the county have caused all sorts of disruption for households.

Expecting your blue or black bin to be collected and emptied has become a given, something which we expect to happen and something to which we are entitled.

Yes, it’s a distinct inconvenience to have the bin overflowing when there’s more refuse waiting to be put in but, before venting our ire at those who didn’t turn up in the bin lorry, bear in mind their plight.

Refuse collectors and other council workers toil away day after day. They are the hidden, forgotten strand who are a reliable constant behind the scenes to make our days a little easier.

But with rising costs raining down on all of us – gas, food, heating, electricity – all these workers are asking for is a fair share, a better slice of the pie.

And when the proffered pay rise of 1.75 per-cent is taken in context with Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s paltry measures to mitigate against the burgeoning cost of living, it looks even worse.

While the chief executives of the eleven councils and other agencies enjoy huge pay packets, it is worth remembering that it is the workers on the ground who also make things tick – the people who collect our rubbish, who drive the bus so our children can get to school, who carry out repairs to people’s homes.

And, while many others were safely ensconced in their homes during the long lockdown, those standing on picket lines this week were not. They were out doing what needed to be done.

This strike isn’t just about a pay dispute. It’s about respect and ultimately, for the greater good of all of us. Fair pay for a day’s work is the least that these people – who are our friends, relatives and neighbours – are owed.