UK military to become 'strike breakers' 12.09.12
9It is reported that the Armed Forces could be used to keep services running during national walkouts of public sector workers.
The Times says that under plans being drawn up by David Cameron the military's success at the Olympics could see troops routinely used to fill in for striking workers.
Jobs they could fill include prison officers, firefighters, immigration workers, fuel tanker drivers, and even train and Tube drivers, according to Whitehall sources quoted by the newspaper.
It says the plans are still " being negotiated with Service chiefs" but are certain to " infuriate trade unions.". Yesterday they backed a motion at the TUC conference calling for a general strike that could involve millions of workers.
Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary, said "It is hard to think that the Armed Services would be happy to be used in this highly political way. It would mark the UK out from other similar advanced democracies."
Whitehall officials are said to have confirmed discussions are underway, with a senior official saying "it is sensible emergency planning."
A military source quoted in The Times said: "The military, uniquely well, analyse, plan and implement that plan under pressure. The Olympics has brought that home to another generation of politicians.
"As before it would involve all three Services although the Army is always the majority supplier. Note that we have reservations for good historical reasons about strike breaking, so every case is scrutinised carefully for this reason. Politicians get this."
An MOD spokesman said: "National contingency arrangements are a matter for the Cabinet Office.
"Established procedures for the provision of military assistance to the civilian authorities exist which are tried and tested and were employed during the both the recent Olympic Games and in preparation for a possible fuel strike earlier this year.
"As well as conducting military operations abroad, the Armed Forces have a proud history of operating in the UK providing support under a range of scenarios."
The Cabinet Office, which deals with civil contingencies in case of national emergencies and disasters said that "in the event of any industrial action, rigorous contingency planning would be in place to protect public services."