Young Labour Offer Support for UK National Strike

London, Nov 8, IRNA – A growing number of the youth wing of Britain's main opposition party have started to speak out in support for the month's national strike planned by trade unions in protest against pension cuts. Breaking ranks with its main party, Young Labour said it was a growing movement speaking for youths following the Conservative-led coalition's “unprecedented assault” on the hopes of the rising generation. On Monday, more than 60 local constituency members, including 8 councillors, said in a letter to the Guardian newspaper that “we need a rapid end to the failing economic policies of this government.” “The Tories austerity policies are punishing millions of ordinary people through cuts in real wages, soaring unemployment and the slashing of public services,” their collective letter said. “The 30 November Day of Action called by the TUC and trade unions across our public services is a clear expression of public opposition to the government's economic agenda of cuts and privatisation,” it said. Millions of public-sector employees are due to join in the day of action, including nationwide strikes rallies and other events, which threatens to disrupt services across the UK. The Young Labour members warned that the Tory-led government is hoping to divide opinion and undermine opposition by claiming public sector workers have gold-plated pensions, but said the majority are only around £100 a week and less in than £60 a week the Local Government scheme. “In reality this is simply a pay cut through the back door for millions of poorer people. It is yet another attempt by the government to ensure those who are least responsible and least able to pay for this crisis are the ones upon whom the burden falls,” their letter said. In contrast to their call, Labour leader Ed Miliband has so far refused to back the strike action and instead has called on union leaders and the government to get back to talks to resolve the dispute./end