- A widespread strike has brought ambulance services to a standstill across much of the UK. However, the basic supply is guaranteed.
- Around 25,000 emergency doctors, ambulance drivers and emergency call workers walked out of work in England and Wales.
- They demand higher wages in line with inflation and better working conditions.
The conservative government, on the other hand, does not want to increase its offer of 4.75 percent more wages, which is based on the recommendation of a wage supervisory authority.
She claims that increases in line with inflation – inflation in Great Britain is currently at a good 10 percent – cannot be financed and would only drive up consumer prices even further.
Basic care guaranteed
Health Secretary Steve Barclay conceded to the BBC that the chronically underfunded NHS health service is under significant pressure. Barclay said the main reason for the dissatisfaction was the long waiting times when patients were handed over from the ambulance to the emergency room. He stressed that the government had promised investments.
Legend:
A line of ambulances during a strike in London.
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
The NHS called for people to call 911 if their life is in danger despite the strike. The unions had announced that they would ensure basic supplies. Doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies were open as usual.
Many industries are on strike
In Great Britain, there have been repeated strikes in numerous sectors for months. Next week, new exits from the clinic staff are planned. Employees at the railway and post office also repeatedly stop working.
Legend:
British Royal Mail post box
EPA/ANDY RAIN
The British Royal Mail is experiencing problems with the delivery of mail after an unspecified network problem. International shipments are also affected.
Customers would have to be prepared for delays or problems with shipments that had already been submitted, the company said on Wednesday, according to the British news agency PA. New packages for export should not initially be given up.
“We have launched an investigation and are working with external experts,” it said. The security authorities have also been informed. The background to the incident was initially unclear.
There are also regional strikes by bus drivers and teachers. The government now wants to restrict the right to strike by law in order to ensure basic services in critical areas such as the health service, fire brigade or rail transport. The opposition and the union reacted with outrage.