Despite the bitter cold, nurses from Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, who deliver drug and alcohol support on the Isle of Wight, will be demonstrating their fight for fair pay and safe staffing outside St Mary’s hospital today and on Thursday 19th January. They were joined by staff from Solent NHS Trust.
The picket line started at 7am and will last until 6pm on both days and is being organised by members of the Royal College of Nurses.
Unfortunately, RCN members working for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust were unable to strike as ballot numbers did not allow action to take place.
Shreeve: Amazing similarity to concerns of education support staff and teachers
Commenting on the nurses’ fight for fair pay and safe staffing, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“We wanted to listen to the concerns of these staff and found amazing similarity to those of education support staff and teachers. Frustration that they cannot do the job that they love, for which they trained.
“In both health and education, it is well documented that both patients and pupils have not been receiving the support and care needed. Government says a pay rise is unaffordable.
“What is unaffordable is the constant and growing inability of both services to provide support.”
Eccles: We must protect our frontline public services and all essential workers
Harry Eccles, Picket Supervisor, said,
“We appreciate support from the public and the National Education Union.
“We are fighting for the future of the profession, patient safety and ultimately the NHS.
“We must protect our frontline public services and all essential workers.”
Lever: The support from Islanders is huge
Cllr Joe Lever (Isle of Wight Green Party) was there to show support too. He said,
“As a union member, a local politician and an Islander, it’s important to show solidarity with our striking nurses.
“The support from Islanders is huge, as it is nationally too. Government would do well to remember this. Covid claps don’t pay the bills nor do they improve patient safety.”
News shared by Peter on behalf of National Education Union. Ed
