Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley has come under fire for his comments over planned rail strikes.
Railway workers have voted overwhelmingly to strike in a bitter dispute over jobs, pay and conditions, threatening massive disruption to the network in the coming weeks. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 15 train operators backed launching a campaign of industrial action.
RMT boss Mick Lynch appeared on GMB on Wednesday to discuss why workers are considering striking. He said employees have not had a pay rise in three years, and that with some "basically" on minimum wage, the cost of living crisis means they are really feeling the squeeze.
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But Mr Madeley slammed the union and said striking would be an "holding the public to hostage". He said: "You're not really actually affecting your bosses, you're affecting already men and women who won't be able to get to work, won't be able to go on holiday..."
His comments did not go down well with many viewers at home. Taking to Twitter, DM said: "Mr Madeley failing to understand how strikes work. Imagine how apoplectic he would be if nurses went on strike?"
Brian said: "I'm a terminal cancer patient who will be affected and I'm angry but not at the @RMTunion. I'm angry at the government because they are are the ones that have put us in this situation." Sue Crowther said: "I think you mean ‘ransom’, Richard and of course they are. That’s the point. How else are they supposed to be heard with a Government like this one and no democratic channels left? #gmb"
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and the ITV Hub
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