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Biggest rail strikes in the UK for 30 years

The biggest rail strikes for 30 years have started in the UK, with widespread disruption across the network.

Only 20% of trains across England, Scotland and Wales are running as the RMT union strike for three days over job cuts, pay and pensions. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has said commuters must "stay the course" and urged rail bosses and unions to agree a deal. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Rowan Bridge gives us an update from Manchester Piccadilly station in the north west of England.

And it’s not just the UK. Yesterday, public sector health workers and teachers walked out over pay in Zimbabwe. There was also a nation-wide strike by trade unions in Belgium. Emeritus professor of economics at Ottowa University, Mario Seccareccia, explains.

The Hungarian government is subsidising fuel to around $1.25 a litre. But the policy triggered a wave of fuel tourism, as drivers from neighbouring countries crossed the border to fill up their cars more cheaply. The government has said cheaper fuel would only be available to Hungarian-registered cars, something the EU says is discriminatory and could land Hungary in court. Gabor Egri, President of the Independent Petrol Station Association of Hungary, tells us how petrol station owners are reacting.

India has been firefighting a diplomatic row with Arab countries because of derogatory remarks made by the spokesperson of the ruling Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, about the Prophet Muhammad. Following strong objections and protests in these countries the spokesperson has now been suspended. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Devina Gupta tells us how much this has impacted India’s relations with the Gulf countries, where it does trade worth billions of dollars.

A gigantic cruise ship being built in Germany could be sold for scrap metal before it ever sets sail. We find out more from Captain Ken Caine of shipbrokers QPS Marine Ships in Florida.

A new book called "The No Club" explains how doing the jobs which keep managers happy day-to-day, can actually hold you back in your career. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Leanna Byrne spoke to the book's four authors: Professors Linda Babcock, Lise Vesterlund, Brenda Peyser and Laurie Weingart.

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27 minutes

Last on

Tue 21 Jun 2022 14:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Tue 21 Jun 2022 14:32GMT