Unison steward
Health workers taking industrial action at the beleaguered Northern Care Alliance are winning their disputes – and some are continuing.
Critical care staff have accepted a deal from the employer that meets their original demand, which is having the option to be paid for overtime under the rates agreed in their national terms and conditions, and not be forced to a secondary employer at lower rates.
The staff in the Theatres have the same dispute and took strike action on 26 June, with another two days of action planned for 2 and 3 July.
Other groups of workers and branches from other regions have been liaising on what is evidently a national issue.
What is clear is that health workers have realised that they need to stand up for their rights, and the continued short staffing across all areas has made them realise that not striking for patient safety issues is not resolving the daily problems of safe staffing.
They have reached their tipping point, and it certainly looks like they are prepared to fight for their jobs and terms, as well as for the NHS to be sufficiently funded to deliver to the public.
