The UK is watching with dismay as tens of thousands of ambulance drivers, paramedics and emergency workers go on strike amid the biggest strike wave in 50 years. They are crossing their arms today, Wednesday (21), a day after nurses across the country went on strike. Officials urge people not to visit hospitals or family clinics without reconfirming appointments or even surgeries. Management of these institutions fear for patient safety.
The UK is watching with dismay as tens of thousands of ambulance drivers, paramedics and emergency workers go on strike amid the biggest strike wave in 50 years. They are crossing their arms today, Wednesday (21), a day after nurses across the country went on strike. Officials urge people not to visit hospitals or family clinics without reconfirming appointments or even surgeries. Management of these institutions fear for patient safety.
Vivian Oswald, RFI London Correspondent
Priority should be given to urgent cases. Priority will be given to life-threatening situations. List heart attacks, for example. But stroke or late labor is not necessary. Let’s remember that the free National Health System in the United Kingdom, NHS in English, already worked with few resources and few people.
With Brexit, thousands of healthcare workers left the country, and after the Covid pandemic, everything got even worse. There is a large list of patients who have not been treated or procedures that cannot yet be performed. Many people wait for hours to write the exam during emergencies in the hospital. Concerned about the consequences of this strike, the government sought the help of the armed forces. The idea is to avoid confusion.
Strike every day
From now till the end of this year, there will not be a single day without some form of strike in the country. Expert calculations indicate The United Kingdom is expected to be out of work for more than 1 million days this December alone🇧🇷 This is the record of the century.
Some companies sign contracts, but all are considered far less than claims. In recent months, workers across the board have been demanding a pay hike due to inflation hitting a 40-year low. They also want better working conditions. So far there is no sign of an agreement.
The Nurses’ Union, for example, is demanding a 19% restructuring and any increase below inflation compromises the quality of service they provide, as it makes it difficult to recruit new staff or retain current staff. They say they don’t need recognition, but are uplifted. They were praised daily for weeks by the population, which thanked them for their dedication to the country’s streets during the pandemic.
Strikes will enter the new year. Incidentally, the Railway Employees Union has already warned of two more days of shutdown instead of the four days planned for January.
Rishi Chinak will not intercede
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s stand so far has been that he does not want to make a recommendation. This Tuesday (20), he questioned the nurses’ demand and asked them to reconsider whether the strike was really necessary. The question for the government is whether the reforms, especially the order sought by categories, should be a factor that puts more pressure on inflation indices.
The problem is The skyrocketing cost of living reduced people’s purchasing power and increased social inequality🇧🇷 In the middle of winter, there are entire families who have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their energy bills, which have risen by more than 300% in less than two years.
The country is idle, almost at a standstill. That complicates the conservative government’s task of getting the economy back on track. England is in recession. From now until the end of this year, the servers that provide driving tests to new drivers will be down.
Christmas cards
During the week before Christmas, postmen cross their arms. Nothing bad for business, it bets, the most anticipated holiday of the year by the population, they like to send Christmas cards: there are more than 1 billion a year. Employees of bus companies, road and customs control at airports, as well as package services will be affected by the strikes until the end of the year.
No one can plan themselves for anything. People don’t know if the trains will come to work. The effects of stoppages, especially on the railways, last for days before and after the strike. It also affects the supply of goods. Orders from individuals or made through wholesale and retail sales.
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.