The Front commun’s mandate to initiate strike action when the time is right, up to and including an unlimited general strike, is historic and without precedent over the past 50 years. The strength of the mandate – 95% in favour of action that can go as far as an unlimited general strike – hasn’t been seen since 1983, and this says a lot about what workers employed in public services are currently feeling. Having refused to budge and review its offers for months, the government is now reaping what it sowed. Front commun members are angry.