As if things aren’t bad enough (with rising prices, rising unemployment, falling property prices and crappy Summer weather), the U.K. seems to be headed for a Winter of discontent on the labor front. A number of unions plan to ballot members for strike action over pay. The civil service union (PCS) is apparently prepared to mount a series of strikes for three months starting November, while the National Union of Teachers is to ballot for strike action also in November. While cable has enjoyed something of a fledgling rally overnight, it is questionable how far sterling strength can extend against the parlous economic backdrop.