British nurses will go on strike on December 15 and 20, a move unprecedented in 106 years, illustrating the severity of the social crisis in the UK with strikes in many sectors not seen for decades.
The campus had voted on November 9 in favor of this unprecedented strike in the history of the RCN, created 106 years ago. This union announced this Friday two days of action on December 15 and 20 after “the rejection of the negotiations by the Government.”
For Health Minister Steve Barclay, “this is a difficult time for everyone” and the government cannot meet the “unaffordable” demands of the RCN, which “represent a 19.2% wage increase.”
One in four hospitals have set up food banks to support staff, according to NHS Providers, which represents hospital groups in England.
“UK-wide staff shortage”
This strike comes as the NHS, underfunded for years, plunges into a serious crisis. The government has announced an increase in the NHS budget of £3.3 billion next year and the year after.
According to the RCN, there are 47,000 nursing vacancies in England. Last year, 25,000 nurses or midwives working in the public slammed the door. “Poor pay contributes to staff shortages across the UK, affecting patient safety,” the union said.
More than seven million people await treatment in English hospitals, a record.
Many sectors mobilized
But the social movement does not only hit the health sector. Many other public and private sector employees, from lawyers to airport ground staff, have also gone on strike this year.
In Scotland, teachers were on strike on Thursday to demand raises. University employees also stopped work on Thursday and Friday, a move that affected around 2.5 million students.
Postal workers have extended their strike until 2023, which could affect mail and package delivery during the holiday season.
Transportation is also affected. The London Underground was paralyzed by a very popular movement on November 10. The railway workers have announced several performance days between now and the end of the year and the first week of January. Officials have also announced a social move.
Source: BFM TV
