Raise pay to keep strikes at record low levels, says TUC

81,000 workers went on strike in 2015 – the lowest ever number since records began in 1893, according to ONS data released today (Tuesday).

The figures show that there were 106 strikes in 2015 – less than half the number of strikes which took place in 1995, an eighth of 1985, and a twentieth of 1975. 

In 2015, the strikes meant a loss of just 0.003% of all working days. The majority (60%) of strikes lasted no more than three days, and over two-thirds related to pay.

Commenting on the figures, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“These figures show that going on strike is always a last resort when your employer won’t negotiate and won’t compromise. Strikes are far less common these days and tend to be short.

“Most strikes are about people demanding fair pay, which is unsurprising given that real wages have fallen off a cliff in the past decade.

“Good industrial relations depend on fair wages and decent rights at work. The new Prime Minister has spoken about raising wages – now it’s time to live up to that promise.“