premise: The right of those working in the public sector to strike splits opinion. Many private sector workers are of the opinion that the cost to tax payers and the consequences of delays or closures in services outweighs any benefit that may be achieved through industrial action. In addition to this, public sector employers have been criticised for their inability to prevent their workers from striking since it is the responsibility of government to provide for the continual smooth running of public services, many of which provide a vital aspect of day to day life. An example of this can be seen in the transport industry, where severe delays can have a knock-on effect on the functioning of other industries, both public and private. Unions should be encouraged to find a less disruptive way of settling disputes, and it is said by some that unions in the public sector shouldnt exist at all. But then how does the voice of the employee get heard if there is no union, or at least none which gets taken seriously?
hypothesis: There is general consensus that all employees should have the right to strike.