Olympic strike averted

The PCS decision to call off the strike scheduled for tomorrow lessens the chances of a logistical nightmare of a start to the Olympics. It also means that the government’s challenge to the strike won’t be heard in court.

Both sides are claiming victory in the dispute. Government sources are claiming that the union has backed down in the face of public opposition to an Olympic strike and the union is saying that it has won a promise that a certain number of new posts will be created.

But the mere fact that this strike almost happened on such a low turnout will strengthen the hand of those in government who are pushing for a minimum threshold strike law. There is a feeling on the Tory side of government that they now have permission to move on this matter.