British nurses will go on strike on December 15 and 20, an unprecedented movement in 106 years, illustrating the seriousness of the social crisis in the United Kingdom with walkouts in many sectors which had not been seen for decades .
“Nurses are fed up” summed up Pat Cullen, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union. “Enough of the low wages, (…) tired of not being able to give patients the care they deserve”.
Nurses’ pay has fallen 20% since 2010
The staff had voted on November 9 in favor of this unprecedented strike in the history of the RCN. This union announced Friday two days of action on December 15 and 20 after “rejection of negotiations on the part of the government”.
According to estimates, the real salary of nurses has fallen by 20% since 2010, in particular due to the current cost of living crisis, with inflation exceeding 11%. The annual salary of a junior nurse is £27,000 gross (€31,400).
But for Health Minister Steve Barclay, “It’s a difficult time for everyone,” and the government cannot meet the demands « inabordables » of the RCN, which “represent a salary increase of 19.2%”.
47,000 nursing positions are unfilled
One in four hospitals have set up food banks to support staff, according to NHS Providers, which represents hospital groups in England.
This strike comes as the public health system (NHS), underfunded for years, is plunged into a serious crisis. The government has announced an increase in the NHS budget of £3.3billion next year and the year after.
According to the RCN, in England, 47,000 nursing positions are unfilled. Last year, 25,000 nurses or midwives who worked in the public slammed the door. “Poor pay contributes to staff shortages across the UK, which affects patient safety,” denounces the union.
The social movement affects other sectors
More than 7 million people are waiting for treatment in English hospitals, a record high.
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. Postal workers have extended their strike until 2023. Transport is also affected. Officials have also announced a social movement.