After months of industrial action, the UK government and most unions have agreed to increase wages for more than a million healthcare workers. More strikes are still possible.
In the wage conflict in Great Britain that has been deadlocked for months, the government and the majority of employees in the state-funded healthcare system NHS have now come to an agreement. More than a million workers in England are set to receive a five per cent pay rise this year and a one-off payment of at least £1,250 (around €1,420), the British news agency PA reported.
Health Minister Steve Barclay spoke of a “good day for the health service, a good day for the workers and a good day for the patients” in an interview with the broadcaster Sky News.
healthcare system is chronic underfunded
There have been many strikes in the UK healthcare system in recent months. Among other things, the employees demanded more money – mainly because of the still high inflation in Great Britain. Although it has recently fallen slightly, consumer prices have recently increased by more than ten percent compared to the same month last year.
The strikes meant that many doctor’s appointments and surgeries had to be postponed and the corresponding waiting lists grew longer and longer. The British healthcare system is also considered to be chronically underfunded and understaffed.
More strikes are still possible
Most unions in the industry voted in favor of the deal, although there were a few, such as the Royal College of Nursing and the Unite union, who were not yet satisfied with the offer. Further strikes can therefore not be completely ruled out.
Barclay called on the members of these organizations to join the majority and settle the conflict. The agreement for this year and next will affect more than a million NHS workers in England, mainly care workers, paramedics and midwives.