Midwives in Wales set for strike as UK pay row deepens
Strike action blocked in England but Welsh midwives pushed to the edge
Midwives in England won’t strike after a crucial ballot fell short of the 50% turnout threshold. However, the vote has exposed serious flaws in laws around industrial action, according to midwives. In Wales, the situation is far more heated. A whopping 88% of Welsh Royal College of Midwives (RCM) members who voted backed strike action, highlighting deep anger over pay and working conditions.
Welsh midwives cry foul over paltry 4% pay offer
Julie Richards, RCM’s director for Wales, slammed the “disappointing and unacceptable” 4% pay offer, saying it left midwives feeling undervalued and ignored. “Taking industrial action is always a last resort,” she said. “Our members’ decision shows how desperate they are for the government to listen.” Richards warned the Welsh Government must act quickly to save maternity services and stop a mass exodus of staff.
Welsh Government under pressure amid funding deadlock
A Welsh Government spokesperson expressed sympathy with NHS workers’ frustrations but said pay rises can’t be increased without extra cash from Westminster. “We understand the anxiety and disappointment felt by public sector workers,” the spokesman said. “NHS Wales is looking at all options to maintain safe staffing and vital care during any strikes.”
Physiotherapists join pay strike wave across UK
It’s not just midwives feeling the pinch. Physiotherapy staff in over half of English NHS trusts and every Welsh health board also voted to strike for the first time ever. Jill Taylor, chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s pay committee, blasted the government: “We’re understaffed, overworked, and exhausted. The NHS won’t attract or keep staff without a fair pay deal.”
The UK government lamented the strikes but insisted further pay rises aren’t viable given the current economic crunch.
