Hats, gloves and big coats accompany health workers in Northern Ireland as they’re braving minus temperatures to line the entrances of all NI major hospitals and the ambulance trusts they work at. They’re protesting over the state of their pay packets and the state of the wards inside the hospital doors.
A 24-hr strike, escalating from a period of action short of strike, could have been avoided with a decent pay award. But even the paltry award they were promised – the same £1,400 as their colleagues in England and Wales – still hasn’t materialised. Getting by with a pay award that’s way below inflation is unthinkable, but no pay award at all is unforgivable.
This winter will bring more worry and stress for families struggling to pay their heating bills. UNISON is supporting members taking action because we’re determined to get more money into their pockets. And our members feel compelled to take a stand against the erosion of their pay and living standards, and against the years of underfunding that has brought the NHS to its knees.
Ministers need to listen to what the workforce is telling them, rather than deflect with accusations about trade union leaders being unreasonable or militant.
Had the snow and travel chaos not delayed and then cancelled my flight yesterday, I would have been with our members on the picket line today, and I’m bitterly disappointed not to be there.
So for any striking NHS members in Northern Ireland reading this now, please stay strong. Know that the whole of UNISON is with you every step of the way. For all the work you do, and for all the work you did throughout COVID-19 and beyond, praise from politicians has turned to excuses. We can’t accept this, and we won’t accept this.
You’re leading our wave of strike days in the NHS across the union, and your strength will give reassurance to all our members in England preparing to take strike action next week. As always, we are stronger when we rise together, in UNISON.
