Strike action in NI health service intensifies as midwives join picket lines

Health workers across Northern Ireland are on picket lines for the second day in a row.

Mass strike action is being taken to demand pay parity with NHS workers in other parts of the UK.

Industrial action intensified today, with midwives and maternity support workers joining the picket lines.

Royal College of Midwives Director for Northern Ireland said, “No midwife wants to strike but what choice do they now have? Midwives are deeply frustrated by the lack of any progress by policymakers and because of that they have been driven to take a stand for fair pay and safer care and maternity services.”

“The safety of women will be the prime concern during any industrial action says the RCM. There will be midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) working in maternity units to ensure women receive the care they need”.

Meanwhile, a rally to show solidarity with striking workers will be held this afternoon at Belfast City Hall.

A statement from the Department of Health said, “The Department understands the deep-seated frustration over the ongoing absence of a pay offer for this year but very much regrets that colleagues have decided this industrial action is required.”

“In setting out the implications of the budget it received for 2023/24, the Department said in May that it was facing an “impossible position” and that decisions are required that are not in the best interests of the health and social care system.”

“That remains the case today. As has been previously stated, the current budgetary constraints mean that matching the English pay offer for Agenda for Change health and social care staff would require large scale cuts on an unprecedented scale, with severe and lasting implications for services. That would be outside the scope of our decision making powers.”

“The Department continues to look for ways to address the pay challenge.”

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