Michael Gove launched a ferocious attack on "hardline, militant" union barons today as hopes of averting this week's mass public sector strike evaporated.
The Education Secretary accused some union leaders of "itching for a fight" that will see thousands of schools closed, operations postponed and travellers faced with misery.
"They want families to be inconvenienced," Mr Gove said in a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank. "They want mothers to give up a day's work, or pay for expensive childcare, because schools will be closed. They want teachers and other public sector workers to lose a day's pay in the run-up to Christmas. They want scenes of industrial strife on our TV screens."
Mr Gove named PCS boss Mark Serwotka and Unite's Len McCluskey and Andrew Murray as people for whom "militant is a badge that fits" - but exempted teaching union leaders from the tag. A PCS spokesman said: "This is the latest tedious rubbish from a minister who ought to know better. The real militants are in the Cabinet."
Labour leader Ed Miliband refused to back the walkout but insisted he would not "demonise" strikers and said the Government should be negotiating rather than "ramping up the rhetoric". He said: "I don't support strikes because they are always a sign of failure."
Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington John McDonnell today called for Heathrow airport to close. He said: "If the Government cannot settle this dispute in the next 24 hours the airport should be closed to ensure the safety and security of all those travelling and working at Heathrow."
At least two million public servants are set to join Wednesday's mass walkout over planned pension reforms. It is expected to be the worst industrial action since the 1926 general strike.
Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said ministers' attempts to "bully and browbeat" workers into not striking would not work. She said: "A responsible approach from the Government would be to turn down the rhetoric, stop the scare tactics and turn its attention to getting back round the table to solve this dispute."
Unison leader Dave Prentis said there was "absolutely no chance" of a deal before Wednesday's walkout.
