UK PM Sunak hopes for 'constructive' talks with trade union leaders

FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers his first major domestic speech of 2023 at Plexal, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in east London, Britain January 4, 2023. Stefan Rousseau/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday he was hoping for constructive talks with trade union leaders next week, as thousands of workers in industries from rail to healthcare take strike action in disputes over pay.

"We want to have a grown up, honest conversation with all union leaders about what is responsible, what is reasonable and what is affordable for our country when it comes to pay," Sunak told reporters during a visit to a school in London.