RISHI Sunak could put a vote on anti-strike laws before MPs this month as the UK Government refuses to negotiate with workers.
As many as 80,000 trains are set to be cancelled this week with members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and Aslef engaging in industrial action over several days.
Unions have issued warnings strikes could continue until June as members continue to look for a fairer deal over pay and conditions.
It has now emerged a bill containing proposals for minimum staffing levels during strikes in public services could be voted on in the coming weeks.
If Prime Minister Sunak holds off on it longer, it could contain further-reaching plans including a ban on walkouts.
Conservative strategists hope the legalisation will form more of a dividing line with Labour, after both parties have come in for criticism over their hostility towards striking workers in recent months.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has suggested he would oppose any law banning strikes.
It is expected any such legislation would receive close scrutiny in the House of Lords, meaning it would likely not pass until much later in the year.
The RMT, which represents the likes of signallers and station staff, is set to strike on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with services set to be severely disrupted in Scotland all week due to the action involving Network Rail.
Meanwhile, drivers’ union Aslef will strike on Thursday.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “We would love to find a resolution. The ball is firmly in the government’s court.”
An Aslef source said that without an improved offer the strikes could go on until June.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch accused the government of blocking a deal.
However, Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Our passengers are having to again bear the brunt of the RMT’s pointless strike when a fair offer is on the table.”
The Department for Transport said: “Inflation-matching pay increases for all public sector workers would cost everyone more in the long term, worsening debt, fuelling inflation and costing every household an extra £1,000.”
