British workers threaten strike over war

British union leaders have raised the prospect of widespread industrial unrest if Britain and the United States go to war against Iraq.

In a news conference in February, five general secretaries of the British Trade Union Congress warned that major work stoppages may be called if the government of British Prime Minister Tony Blair continues to ignore the majority of Britons who oppose war.

Mick Rix, the leader of the British rail union ASLEF, said some workers are already refusing to move materials that could be used in a Middle East conflict.

Paul Mackney, of the university lecturers’ union NATFHE, Bob Crow, leader of the RMT rail union, Billy Hayes, of the Communication Workers’ Union, and Mark Serwotka, of the PCS civil servants’ union, also attended the press conference.

The five urged their 750,000-strong membership to turn out in support of the anti-war demonstrations in London and Glasgow – which attracted nearly two million people.

In addition to the threat of strikes, the leaders warned that Blair will pay a political price for being George Bush’s "poodle."

"Unless Blair changes course, Blair will fall on this," said Mackney.