Co-presenter of Good Morning Britain Richard Madeley has been slammed for his comments over planned rail strikes later this month. It comes after railway workers have voted to strike in a dispute over jobs, pay and working conditions.
The strike has the backing of Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 15 train operators. Boss of RMT, Mick Lynch, appeared on the ITV morning programme to discuss why workers are wanting to strike.
The Liverpool Echo reports that rail employees have not had a pay rise in three years and the cost of living crisis is damaging workers. Yet Richard Madeley slammed the union describing the strike as "holding the public to hostage".
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He said: "You're not really actually affecting your bosses, you're affecting already men and women who won't be able to get to work, won't be able to go on holiday..." His comments did not go down well with many viewers at home.
Taking to Twitter, DM said: "Mr Madeley failing to understand how strikes work. Imagine how apoplectic he would be if nurses went on strike?" Brian said: "I'm a terminal cancer patient who will be affected and I'm angry but not at the @RMTunion. I'm angry at the government because they are the ones that have put us in this situation."
Sue Crowther said: "I think you mean ‘ransom’, Richard and of course they are. That’s the point. How else are they supposed to be heard with a Government like this one and no democratic channels left? #gmb"
