Unison strike outside Rochdale Infirmary

Unison strike outside Rochdale Infirmary

Unison members have been on strike today (Monday 13 October) outside Rochdale Infirmary.

The four hour strike between 7am and 11am was held in a dispute over pay and saw ambulance staff, nurses and midwives create the picket line.

Paul Foley, UNISON North West Head of Health said: “NHS staff have seen their living standards fall by over 10% since 2010.  This year, Jeremy Hunt won’t pay NHS staff even the 1% rise that was recommended by the Pay Review Body.  This is a new low in the treatment of public sector workers by this Government, and is a real slap in the face for NHS staff.
      
“There is a need for a substantial pay rise in the health service.  One third of NHS staff are paid below the living wage.  Many NHS workers have to have second jobs and some have to use food banks.  We hope that by taking strike action the Government will take notice.

“We have been very pleased by the public response to the action.  The public value their health service and the people who provide it, and we hope the Government will see that the campaign for fair pay has widespread support.”   

The walkout will be followed by four-days of work-to-rule from tomorrow (Tuesday 14 October).

Prior to the strike action, unions and managers met to ensure that essential services were maintained. Military personal and police were also put on stand-by to help the ambulance service if needed.