The British government called the unions to talks next Monday, in light of the increase in strikes rocking the country, including nurses, railway networks and other important sectors.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he hoped to hold constructive talks with trade unions next week.
The railway workers went on strike again for a period of 48 hours, to demand higher wages and better working conditions.
Rail operator Network Rail expected to run 20 percent of normal train services on the reduced schedule during the strike.
This coincides with the continuation of the strike by workers at driving examination centers and road workers in some parts of Britain, to demand better working conditions and higher wages.
The British government has issued an invitation to "all trade union leaders" aimed at having "mature and candid talks about what the country can afford and who has responsibility for the country," Sunak said Friday to British television stations, hoping for "constructive" and "productive" meetings. ".
The unions, in light of the social movements rocking the country, most notably the strikes of nurses and ambulance drivers, denounced the government's refusal to discuss a wage increase to face inflation, which is nearly 11%, while the government considered health claims "unaffordable" financially.
The nurses, who in December launched the first strike in their history since the formation of their union more than 100 years ago, plan to cut the claims ceiling almost in half (from a 19% increase in wages to a rise of 10%), according to British media.
The movement of transportation during the festive period was affected by the strikes of railway workers, but the traffic policemen on the British highways and border police were also affected, as the authorities had to deploy soldiers in several British airports.
Yesterday, Thursday, the government announced a draft law to define a minimum service in sensitive sectors, most notably health and railways, as well as firefighters and ambulance drivers.
In light of the indignant responses issued by trade union officials, Sunak, who pledged "tough new laws" on Friday during a visit to a school in London, praised "the role of trade unions and their freedom to strike", but also touched on "the right of ordinary people who do business to continue their lives." without having to face "major disruptions".
"That is why we are introducing new laws in line with countries such as France, Italy and Spain in order to ensure a minimum level of security in vital areas such as fire and ambulance services, so that you can be sure that even in cases of strike your health is protected," he said.
"I see it as logical, and this is the role of our new laws," Sunak added.