By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The ongoing strike by thousands of nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have entered its second day as the medical workers say the government has left them with no other option.
The strike which commenced on Monday follows a walk-out last Thursday over a demand for an increased pay and better working conditions.
The umbrella body of the nurses, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) had called for a 19.2 per cent pay rise which the government says is not realistic at the moment.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in response to the strike has said the country might have to brace itself for months of industrial action.
When asked by reporters if the strikes might continue for months, he said, “Yeah. Look, I’m going to keep making the same arguments I’ve been making.”
“The government is acting fairly and reasonably and will always continue to do so. I’m going to do what I think is right for the long-term interests of the country – combating inflation,” he said.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay expected to meet with members of Unite, Unison and GMB unions as negotiations continue.
During their meeting, it is believed that the striking workers will assure him that Category 2 incidents, that cover strokes or serious chest pain, won’t be ignored during the action.
On Wednesday, ambulance workers will join the call for industrial action and stage a walk out in England and Wales.
Health Minister, Will Quince has said that he and Health Secretary Steve Barclay’s doors “are open when it comes to discussing issues around patient safety and working conditions for staff”, a Sky News report had said.
The RCN general secretary Pat Cullen joined a picket line outside Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary to stand strong with the nurses. She will reportedly visit many more picket lines across northern England today.
She told strikers, “I don’t think we will ever get used to doing this but it is the right thing to do.”
Cullen stressed that if the government refuses to entertain negotiations, the nurses will have “no option” but to continue strikes in January.
