Piers Morgan has come under fire for suggesting trade union leader Mick Lynch is “wreaking havoc on the world” in the midst of rail strikes in the UK. The pair clashed live on air after Piers’ criticised Mick’s Facebook profile picture, which is an image of the Thunderbird’s villain The Hood.
“I’m trying to see where the comparison goes. The Hood was obviously an evil, criminal, terrorist mastermind described as the world’s most dangerous man who wrecked utter carnage on the public,” the host said to the now viral union boss on TalkTV. Mr Lynch was quick to retort that the image was meant to poke fun at his physical resemblance to The Hood and hit back at Piers’ line of questioning.
“I’m a working class leader of a trade union that’s in a dispute over jobs, pay and working conditions,” he said in response to the accusation that he was depicting himself as evil. Twitter users labelled Pier’s stance on the strike as “misreading the room” and praised Mick’s no-nonsense approach to the interview.
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The general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has clashed with several TV presenters this week during media appearances related to the strike. He previously had a tense exchange with Sky News presenter Kay Burley after she accused him of ridiculing her question about workers potentially crossing the picket line.
The 60-year-old secured the role of RMT’S general secretary in an election last year and has been the main spokesperson for the organisation since the strikes began. The trade union represents around 40,000 drivers across the country and talks are currently ongoing between them and British railway companies to negotiate a 7 per cent pay increase for staff as the cost of living continues to rise.
13 train operators and Network Rail staff took to the picket line on Tuesday and further strike action is planned for Thursday and Saturday if no resolution is found. The disruption to transport services would likely affect several major events planned in the UK this weekend, including Glastonbury Festival and gigs by performers such as Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
The RMT has said that there was no alternative but to strike in an official statement on their website.
“Every worker in Britain deserves a pay rise that reflects the cost-of-living crises. All working people should have the benefit of good negotiated terms, conditions, working practices and occupational pensions that will ensure their living standards in retirement,” the RMT press office said.
“We call on our members to stand firm, support the action, mount the pickets and demonstrate their willingness to fight for workplace justice.”
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