The Metropolitan Police Service averted strike action over pay yesterday (Wednesday)

Metropolitan Police staff today voted to go on strike in reaction to a below inflation pay rise.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber has told <i>HR</i> magazine that Britain is in danger of becoming a more polarised society if public sector-pay deals do not keep in line with inflation.

Police officers are angered at home secretary Jacqui Smith's decision not to backdate a 2.5% pay rise.

Union militancy is increasing and partnership deals with employers are coming under scrutiny. Stefan Stern reports

Press reports frequently describe Aslefs general secretary, Mick Rix, as radical. Is this justified or is he as reasonable as he seems?