NHS nurses to escalate strikes: National two-day walkout at more hospitals

Following the Tories' refusal to engage in pay negotiations, a significant union has indicated that nurses will stage a national two-day strike at additional hospitals in January. After a decade of real terms pay cuts for employees, the Royal College of Nursing will stage a 48-hour walkout in England starting on 18 January as part of a contentious labour dispute.

The RCN claims remuneration must be addressed because "staff shortages and low pay make patient care dangerous," despite Health Secretary Steve Barclay's refusal to discuss it during two meetings with the union. The number of NHS employers in England where strikes will take place has increased by 25%, from 44 to 55 trusts, compared to earlier this month.

Nursing strikes will affect 70 NHS employers in England altogether.



In response to their disagreement over salary and working conditions, the RCN organised its first nationwide walkout in its 106-year history on December 15 and 20.

Additionally, it was revealed last night that Unison-affiliated ambulance workers would strike once more for two 24-hour periods on January 11 and 23. Ambulance workers' planned 28 December strike by the GMB union has been postponed, although the union still anticipates joining Unison members on 11 January.

This week, the Government stoked the fires of the labor conflict when Mr. Barclay charged that the unions representing ambulance drivers on strike had "made a conscious decision to endanger patients." The most recent 24-hour strike by Unison is an expansion of its 12-hour walkout on Wednesday.

FAQs:

1. How many NHS employers are affected because of nursing strikes?
   Nursing strikes will affect 70 NHS employers in England altogether.
2. What is the status of the Ambulance workers' planned 28 December strike by the GMB union?
   Ambulance workers' planned 28 December strike by the GMB union has been postponed, although the union still anticipates joining Unison members on 11 January.