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Strikes

Nurses Stage Second Walkout Over Pay, Union Chief Urges Government to Negotiate

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nurses across the UK continue their strike for a second day, with thousands of union members protesting over pay. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) general secretary Pat Cullen has called on the government to "do the decent thing" and negotiate with the union. The RCN has requested a 5% above inflation pay rise, but Health Secretary Steve Barclay has declined to discuss pay during meeting talks. The strike has sparked fears over the impact of an ambulance strike on Wednesday, with paramedics, technicians, and control room workers walking out in some regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has requested a 5% above inflation pay rise, but the Government has declined to discuss pay.
  • RCN general secretary Pat Cullen has urged the Government to "do the decent thing" and negotiate with the union.
  • The nurses' strike has entered its second day, with thousands of union members protesting across the UK.
  • Around a quarter of hospitals and community teams in England are taking part in the strike, alongside all trusts in Northern Ireland and all but one health board in Wales.
  • The ambulance strike on Wednesday is expected to impact thousands of people, with some NHS trusts urging patients to seek alternative transportation.
  • Negotiations between unions and ambulance services are ongoing, with some exemptions agreed for specific incidents within category 2.
  • The strike is expected to last for six months unless an agreement can be reached between the RCN and the Government.

Statistics:

  • 5%: The proposed pay rise above inflation requested by the RCN.
  • 25%: The proportion of hospitals and community teams in England taking part in the nurses' strike.
  • 100%: The number of trusts in Northern Ireland participating in the strike.
  • 99%: The percentage of health boards in Wales which are participating in the strike.
  • 2 days: The duration of the nurses' strike so far.
  • 6 months: The estimated duration of the strike unless an agreement can be reached.

Sources:

  • The RCN (@theRCN) Twitter page.
  • PA news agency.
  • The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

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