London ∙ Nurses have gone on strike for the first time in the history of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). Around 100,000 nurses led by the Royal College of Nursing Union went on strike, disrupting the operations of 76 government hospitals and health centres. Chemotherapy, dialysis and intensive care sectors were exempted from the strike. The nursing union has announced that it will go on strike on the 20th. In Britain, the government provides free treatment to everyone under the NHS.
The strike is demanding a pay rise. The nursing union is demanding a 19% salary hike due to inflation of more than 10 percent, which has increased the cost of living. The government is of the view that no increase beyond the 4-5 percent fixed by the independent committee is possible. Health Minister Steve Barclay says any further increase will affect other service areas. The union alleges that the government is not even ready to discuss the salary issue. The strike was avoided by negotiating with the Nursing Union of Scotland.
Rail, postal and air transport services were also hit this month. There are concerns that services, including at airports, might be disrupted during the Christmas period. In the survey conducted before the nurses’ strike, people supported the nurses. The government is worried regarding the reaction of the people when the service sectors are interrupted one by one.
English Summary: British nurses strike
