UK PM Rishi Sunak 'sad and disappointed' over strikes, read here

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was sad and disappointed about the NHS workers’ strikes threatening the Christmas holidays.

According to media reports, PM Sunak claimed that the government had acted fairly and reasonably in settling the nurses’ disputes.

However, the NHS Staff seems adamant about moving ahead with the strike.


The Royal College of Nursing announced fresh strikes on January 18 and 19, along with other dates to be announced later. The announcement came moments after PM Sunak spoke to the nurses, even though the PM said that the government was open to talks. He and the Health Secretary reiterated that the door was always open for an amicable resolution.


PM Sunak said that the government was considering recommendations put forward by independent bodies that reviewed issues regarding public sector pay. He also added that the government was open to discussing issues raised that might be resolved with government interference. However, the RCN accused the ministers of refusing to come to the table.

In an official tweet after the meeting with the Prime Minister, the RCN said they had offered talks, but the ministers refused. The tweet further stated that the nurses were left with no choice other than going on strike once again for two days in January.

NHS staff are not the only public space workers threatening to go on strike. Hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK have pledged or planning to strike this winter, demanding a pay rise to counter the cost of living crisis, rising inflation, and the looming energy crisis.

The latest to join the trend was the Border Force staff, who walked out of various airports across the UK on Friday morning, causing inconvenience to air travellers. PCS, the leading union, warned that air travellers could face disruptions for months if the government failed to meet their demand for improved pay.

FAQs:

1. When will the next NHS strike take place?
   January 18 and 19.
2. When did the RCN announce fresh strike dates?
   Moments after meeting with the PM