If they do strike actually strike on carnival weekend then they'll lose
many people's sympathies.

What sympathies?

I don't expect or want anyone's sympathies, but I have not had a pay
increase (let alone a 4.5% pay increase THIS year alone!) for 8 years.
Nor am I allowed, legally, (according to H.M Attorney General and Lord
Chancellor who have threatened to bug telephones and take legal action)
to go on strike.

Marc.