UK ambulance workers postpone 28 December strike but schedule 2023 strike
In the aftermath of the first strike by ambulance workers, following the first strike by UK nurses in 106 years, the tension between government and unions does not seem to be abating. On the contrary
The effects of the UK ambulance workers’ strike
As always, when it comes to healthcare workers, the protest actions took place within the limits of safeguarding the public’s health provided by law, but the effects were markedly felt.
More than 800 outpatient appointments in hospitals were rescheduled in the North West of England alone due to Wednesday’s strike by ambulance service workers, figures published by the NHS show.
The figure – 827 in total – was revealed by the GMB union, one of three unions taking action in Greater Manchester this week.
The same union, as a sign of gratitude to the citizenry, who have shown empathy and solidarity beyond their wildest expectations, has decided to suspend and reschedule the post-Christmas strike, scheduled for 28 December.
UK, GMB ambulance workers on strike 11 January 2023
But the workers’ situation remains serious, given that no particularly meaningful responses have come from the government to the demands of the rescue professionals.
On the contrary, the government’s language and tone is described by the GMB union as ‘extreme’.
Rachel Harrison, national secretary of the GMB, said: ‘We are overwhelmed by the incredible public support on Wednesday for our paramedics and ambulance staff.
“Citizens across the country have been wonderful in supporting us and we care about them too.
That is why we are suspending GMB’s proposed industrial action on 28 December.
“We know that the citizens will appreciate being able to enjoy Christmas without further anxiety.
They support us and we support them.”
Ms Harrison added that the NHS staff crisis is “so severe” that they are planning a further day of action for 11 January 2023.
Ms Harrison added: ‘The incredible British public is why we are suspending our action over the Christmas period.
But it also means that the government can do what ambulance workers and the public want: get round the table and talk about pay now. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Anytime, anywhere.
To you Steve Barclay. Everyone is waiting.”
January 2023, not only ambulance workers: nurses also return to the streets
The main trade unions across Britain have announced that their members will return to the streets in January.
An announcement that did not prompt the British government to any particular reflection, being moreover involved in an economic crisis of growing dimensions (inflation exceeding 10% per month).
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told reporters that he was sorry for the inconvenience caused by the strikes, adding that he was trying to ‘make the right long-term decisions for the country, for the benefit of all’.
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