Why are the government totally failing to govern when it comes to the question of the strikes in the public sector?

The government is there to ensure that things run smoothly. This news may come as a surprise to some, thinking back to the damage done in such a short space of time by Liz Truss's administration, but it is the case. So why is it completely failing to do so on strikes?

Why does the invisible Prime Minister Rishi Sunak not get the parties together around the table and endeavour to resolve these damaging disputes. And where this is not possible stop interfering behind the scenes to stop a settlement being reached - as appears to be the case in the rail dispute.

The government's only strategy seems to be to let the disputes run, hoping public sympathy will move away from the strikers.

This is unlikely to happen, due partly to the fact that most of the public support the strikes because they recognise the injustice of imposing below inflation pay rises on, in many cases, those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us during the pandemic.

Neither do many appreciate the double standards that see restrictions on bankers bonuses being removed, whilst austerity is imposed on everyone else.

It should also be recognised that the public includes the striking workers. The constant effort of many in the media to try to divide people by referring to the public versus the strikers is quite shameful.

Solidarity across society is what is required now.

A just wage for all, lifting children and adults out of poverty and away from the need to use food banks. It can be done but is likely to require a rebalancing of society, so those who have most pay more in order that everyone can receive a just and living wage.

So come on Mr Sunak get off your backside and resolve these disputes.

  • Paul Donovan is a Redbridge Labour councillor for Wanstead village and blogger. See paulfdonovan.blogspot.com