https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64063397
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”
This Christmas workers across key services are striking for pay that meets the cost of living and investment in jobs and services for the public.
“… Everywhere I go”
I arrived late last night in Gatwick Airport just one hour before PCS members in the Border Force began strike action. My domestic flight was delayed by just one hour. This has been the norm for travellers since the pandemic – not due to workers withdrawing their labour but because of a lack of resources and investment in infrastructure. Many flights are now subject to long delays and even cancelled at short notice.
“Take a look at the five and ten. It’s glistening once again…”
The modern day UK equivalent of the five and ten is Poundland. Far from glistening, shops and stores on our high streets have disappeared. More like the late great Terry Hall’s Ghost Town than Michael Bublé’s “candy canes and silver lanes that glow”
“Toys in every store…”
Eh, maybe, but is anyone able to buy them this year? The cost of living crisis has hit our ability to treat ourselves and our loved ones this year. Research from Ernst and Young finds that consumers are set to delay spending as late as possible this year, due to “increased uncertainty” about their finances. Even Investors Chronical states: “increased uncertainty will feel like an understatement to many. The first issue is a looming recession.”
“But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door”
I didn’t post any Christmas cards this year in solidarity with striking workers. With postal workers throughout the Royal Mail taking ongoing strike action, many of us have festooned our front doors with support messages for our posties, understanding that Auntie Betty’s Christmas card might not arrive until after New Year because the government is hell bent on not negotiating with the CWU on pay and investment in Royal Mail services.
I could go on, but you get the point… Solidarity to all striking workers this Christmas.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that’ll make ’em ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart”
We are all Rosa's daughters... 