Mayor responds to communication workers' industrial action

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, has issued the following statement relating to the industrial action by communications workers.

"Today, around 40,000 of Britain’s essential telecoms workers are going on strike for the first time since 1987. These are the same engineers and call centre staff who kept our country going through the pandemic, powering our work-from-home revolution and protecting critical NHS infrastructure.

"But the strikes won’t stop there. Over the summer, we’re braced for industrial action to be taken by our rail and postal workers, our bus and train drivers, and possibly our teachers and nurses too. At the same time, places of work are opening foodbanks, while families struggle to make ends meet.

"This cannot go on. The cost of living crisis demands action from leaders at all levels of government. Which is why, over the coming months, I’ll be launching my Fair Work Charter for West Yorkshire.

"This charter will provide a framework for what fair work looks like, celebrating the excellent work our businesses are already doing while encouraging others to do more. We recently finished our consultation – both with workers and with businesses – and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

"Because businesses benefit from providing fair work. Their reputation, recruitment, competitiveness, productivity and turnover all profit. Likewise, workers benefit when their employer can offer secure, fulfilling work that provides fair pay and opportunities, looks after their wellbeing, and gives them a voice.

"As a region, I know we can get there. Over the past year I’ve met with some of the best businesses in the country, and with some of the hardest working people who’re proud of what they do. But I’ve also met with businesses who want to do more, and with workers who feel undervalued and underappreciated.

"For our economic recovery to be strong, secure and fair, we need to work together. A partnership between government, business and workers that celebrates best practice and helps others to get there too.

"We know what this can look like. By working with bus operators, I’ve been able to tackle the cost of living crisis by slashing single fares to £2 and capping daily travel at £4.50 from September.

"With my Fair Work Charter, I want to work with businesses across West Yorkshire to improve pay and conditions, attract more talent and investment, and build an economy that’s fit for the future.

"A valued workforce benefits business, and I’ll always do everything I can to ensure that business thrives in West Yorkshire.”