Midwives to Strike in Wales But Not England Over Pay Row
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has confirmed strike action in Wales – but not England – amid fury over pay. The difference? England’s vote failed to reach the crucial 50% turnout threshold, exposing major flaws in the laws that govern industrial ballots.
Strike Vote Split: Wales Backs Walkout, England Holds Back
- In Wales, 55% of RCM members backed the strike, with a huge 88% support among voters. The turnout hit 47% of 28,500 members.
- In contrast, England saw just 9% vote for strikes and only 47% turnout, preventing any action.
Julie Richards, RCM’s director for Wales, blasted the “disappointing and unacceptable” 4% pay offer as a slap in the face for exhausted midwives. She warned the Welsh Government must act fast to save maternity services and stop staff deserting the NHS.
“Welsh midwives are exhausted. The poor pay offer only deepens their feeling of being overlooked and undervalued,” said Richards.
The union will now review the results before deciding the next move. Meanwhile, the Welsh Government admits public sector workers feel “anxiety and disappointment” but says it cannot increase pay without more funding from the UK government.
NHS Staff from Physios to Midwives Poised to Strike Across Wales and England
It’s not just midwives. Physiotherapy staff in over half of NHS trusts in England and every health board in Wales also voted to strike in their first-ever pay ballot.
“We are understaffed, overworked, and exhausted,” said Jill Taylor, physiotherapist and chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s pay committee. “We need fair pay to attract and keep NHS staff.”
The UK government, facing a tight economy, slammed the strikes as unfortunate but insisted further pay rises are unaffordable.
Next Steps: Uncertainty Looms Over NHS Services
With unions threatening walkouts and staff morale at breaking point, NHS services face disruption in Wales and some parts of England. Policymakers now face the tough task of cracking pay talks or risking an exodus of vital health workers.
