Strike chaos looms

Press, 15 January 1982, Page 6

Strike chaos looms

NZPA-Reuter London British coal miners hold a strike vote today while the Stale-owned British Rail considers shutting down its strike-hit network. Concern mounted over the possibility of a damaging pit strike as 250.000 coal miners began two days of voting on whether to reject a 9.3 per cent pay rise offer. The start of a two-day stoppage by 20.000 train drivers of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engin-

eers and Firemen caused about 800 km of traffic jams yeesterday as commuters took to their cars. They also had to contend with freezing fog and ice because Britain was still emerging from the worst blizzards it has suffered in two decades. The rail dispute is voer Britsih Rail's refusal to pay a 3 per cent rise on the grounds that the men had failed to accept more flexible shift working. The drivers' general secre-

tary (Mr Ray Buckton) said that the union would disrupt the 17.500 km rail system indefinitely until the money was paid. The union plans a similar two-day shutdown next week and strikes every Sunday. British Rail's chairman (Sir Peter Parker) gave a warning that itss booard would consider suspending strikers when it met today. It would also discuss shutting sown the whole rail network until the dispute with the drivers was resolved.