‘We can’t afford not to’: a firefighter, paramedic, train driver and teacher on UK strikes

“We can’t afford to strike, but we can’t afford not to strike,” firefighter Kasey from Leicestershire has told the Guardian. Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► http://bit.ly/guardianwiressub The wave of strikes sweeping the UK are reaching their peak this week, threatening to bring much of the country to a standstill as workers across the transport network, NHS, Royal Mail and civil service take industrial action in ongoing rows over pay and conditions. In the new year strike ballots for firefighters and teachers will close, while junior doctors are scheduled to vote next month. Nurses across the country will begin their first strike on Thursday.  We spoke to four people across England – a paramedic, a teacher, a firefighter, and a train driver – about why they are striking, the realities of being a public sector worker during a cost of living crisis and whether they are hopeful that this action could lead to change in their industry. The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://bit.ly/3uhA7zg Sign up to the Guardian's free new daily newsletter, First Edition ► http://theguardian.com/first-edition Website ► https://www.theguardian.com Facebook ►  / theguardian   Twitter ►   / guardian   Instagram ►   / guardian   The Guardian on YouTube: The Guardian ► https://bit.ly/guardiannewssubs Guardian Australia ► https://bit.ly/guardianaussubs Guardian Football ► https://bit.ly/gdnfootballsubs Guardian Sport ► https://bit.ly/gdnsportsubs Guardian Live. ►https://bit.ly/guardianlivesubs #Strikes #UKStrikes #IndustrialAction #RMT #FireFighters #NHS #Teachers