Record numbers of nursing staff are prepared to join picket lines this winter after the nurses union voted for strike action
Strikes will now take place at the NHS trusts or health boards that have met the relevant legal requirements.
130 NHS Trusts have chosen to strike in England,the following in Greater Manchester
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
The strike will be the first of its kind in the union’s 106-year history, with RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen calling it a “once in a generation chance to improve your pay and combat staff shortages” that put patients at risk.
Industrial action is expected to begin before the end of this year, with more detailed plans and timelines announced shortly.
RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “I want to thank every member who took part in, or supported, this ballot. You can be very proud. The results are strong and clear.
“This is a defining moment in our history, and our fight will continue through strike action and beyond for as long as it takes to win justice for the nursing profession and our patients.
“Anger has become action – our members are saying enough is enough. The voice of nursing in the UK is strong and I will make sure it is heard. Our members will no longer tolerate a financial knife-edge at home and a raw deal at work.
“Ministers must look in the mirror and ask how long they will put nursing staff through this. While we plan our strike action, next week’s budget is the UK government’s opportunity to signal a new direction with serious investment. Across the country, politicians have the power to stop this now and at any point.
“This action will be as much for patients as it is for nurses. Standards are falling too low and we have strong public backing for our campaign to raise them. This winter, we are asking the public to show nursing staff you are with us.”
