In Wakefield, a strike has unfolded at the National Coal Mining Museum where 40 employees have taken action due to a disappointing pay raise offer of 80p per hour. The timing of the strike is notable as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the historic miners’ strike, a significant part of the museum’s history.
In a separate labor dispute, Unite members in Sheffield have been striking at Veolia, a French-owned refuse company, for over a year seeking union recognition. Despite international support for their cause, this news may have gone unnoticed by many outside the region.
The recent actions of two Premier League footballers, Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa, who pushed for transfers after alleged broken promises from their clubs, have stirred controversy. While securing their exits resulted in substantial profits for their clubs, criticism from various quarters has labeled them as symbols of a flawed system in professional football.
Criticism against footballers for their conduct during the pandemic, including calls for pay cuts, has resurfaced amid the recent player strikes. However, the backlash against these players may be viewed as hypocritical given the commonplace nature of player transfers and club decisions to release underperforming players.
In a different sector, Birmingham bin workers have been on strike for six months protesting against fire-and-rehire pay cuts that could severely impact their livelihoods. The ongoing strike, affecting hundreds of workers, highlights the struggles of low-paid workers fighting to protect their incomes.
Amidst debates over professional athletes’ actions, the focus may need to shift towards supporting workers fighting for fair pay and job security. The ongoing strikes by essential workers underscore the importance of addressing broader labor issues beyond the realm of professional sports.