UNISON members working in health and social care in Northern Ireland are on
strike today to defend jobs and services. The strike began at midnight with
the first picket line forming at the Mater Hospital in North Belfast.
Emergency cover with the Health Trusts and the Ambulance Service has been
agreed. The union is protecting patient safety through an agreed Protocol.
There will, however, be widespread disruption today as large numbers of
elective operations and outpatient clinic appointments are cancelled.*
Picket lines formed at all hospitals across Northern Ireland from early
morning. The ambulance service is providing emergency cover but day case
transport is cancelled.
In Social Services, transport, day centres and other facilities are affected. In
some areas home care workers are taking strike action for the first time ever.
Residential Homes for Older People and Children