Labor has said a “serious governing party” will not join picket lines as it confirmed front-bench rebels will be disciplined for joining striking railway workers.
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Sunday that although the party’s name is “Labour”, it does not mean it supports unions going on strike.
Earlier this week, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer issued an ultimatum to his front benchers that they would not join picket lines alongside striking railway workers, which was ignored by at least four of his top team, in addition to dozens of back benchers.
Lammy told the BBC the party’s leader will “speak to them next week and make it very clear that a serious ruling party is not joining the picket lines”.
“It is likely that disputes will continue in the weeks and months to come, we are in a cost of living crisis and people will no doubt be concerned about rising inflation and where their salaries are as a result.” ,” he said.
“A serious ruling party, in government, is negotiating. To sit down with both the strikers and the management that makes these terms of employment.
“I don’t think standing on picket lines helps.”
Labor has strong leadership and clear direction of travel
Mr Lammy also rejected the suggestion that Sir Keir had lost control of his MPs after dozens were seen on the picket lines.
“The Labor Party is in a strong position, has strong leadership and a clear course,” he said, adding that there was “no suggestion of any dispute within the party.”
“Let’s be clear, the name is Labor, and it’s Labor for a reason. It’s Labor because historically we want to associate ourselves with working people wherever they are across the country.
“Let’s take these railway strikes, working people find it very difficult if they can’t work to earn a living, but there are also working people who work at the railways who see their pay falling and are worried about layoffs in this time.”