01
Oct 2014
Midwives to go on strike
It was announced this week that midwives have voted to go on strike and will join other NHS workers in a strike over pay next month.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said it was the first time their members have ever been balloted on industrial action and a resounding 82% voted in favour. Other members of the health service to strike will include nurses, healthcare assistants and porters on the morning of 13 October with a four hour stoppage. This is the first time in RCM’s 133 year history that members are to strike.
Although the strike will take place, the RCM said midwives will still be there for women giving birth.
Cathy Warwick, RCM chief executive, said: ‘This is a resounding yes from our members. It could not send a clearer signal about the level of discontent on this issue to those denying them a very modest 1% increase.
‘Our members have suffered three years of pay restraint and face the prospect that their pay in 2016 will on y be 1% higher than it was in 2010.’
‘The recommendations from all public sector pay review bodies (PRB) have been followed except those for health workers. This is not acceptable.’
‘There is still time to come back to the negotiating table and to take a more reasonable position on the PRB recommendation.’
Cathy stressed that the RCM will be meeting with employers to discuss the action and to ensure that mothers and babies are not put at any risk.
She added: ’I want to reassure women expecting a baby that midwives will continue to look after them and they will be safe.’
As a former midwife, they do provide an incredible service to women. They work on wards that are sometimes understaffed and have to work incredibly long hours therefore should be recognised and remunerated for the work they do. It is just hoped that the words of Cathy Warwick are a true statement in that ‘mothers and babies are not put at risk.’
If you or your baby has suffered an injury due to childbirth you may wish to speak to our specialist team of Medical negligence solicitors at Chadwick Lawrence.
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in Medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/Medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our Medical negligence solicitors on the free phone number below.
Posted by: Carol J Simpson, Associate, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP, Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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