“This is the first time I have ever been out on strike and my first protest. I have really enjoyed the protest at Grantham today and will do it again if I have to.”
These comments from a young support worker summed up the mood of members who took their protest to Thera HQ in Grantham. She said she will bring her own banner next time and more car loads of people.
Around 30 Unison members and officials from Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire turned out in force to protest at short notice. Members felt really uplifted by the turnout from other areas and cannot wait for the next protest at Thera HQ which will be a lot bigger.
On the protest, Pam Shepherd, Unison regional organiser for Derbyshire Health branches, called for a two-day strike in May.
There will be a regional meeting to plan the next stage of the campaign which should perhaps include another protest in Grantham. And there will be another members’ meeting in the next few weeks.