Many politicians seem to be outraged by the train strike but it’s a pity they don’t look at the wider picture. The RMT is asking for a 7% wage increase which is well below inflation currently running at 11%. Public sector workers generally are facing a real drop in their incomes (4% in real terms over the last decade) and in a number of sectors they have had enough of feeling undervalued and underpaid. Local medics and teachers that I’ve spoken to recently feel that they must choose one of three alternatives. One, put up with it and carry on although this is increasingly difficult particularly if they have a family. Two, leave and increasing number are choosing this option.Three, take industrial action which is their lawful and democratic right.

And for the avoidance of doubt I use the train myself and my arrangements have been severely disrupted.

Philip Parry
SW Herts Labour Party