Menu
04/10/2011
Clinics Cancelled As Unison Strike Looms
It has been anticipated that as many as 8,000 hospital and educational staff members could be involved in Wednesday's strike action, called by the trade union, Unison.
The Belfast Trust has already said that 1,000 hospital outpatient appointments have been cancelled with picket lines expected to form in a protest against the impact of cuts on services and jobs.
The action is expected to cause widespread disruption as elective operations and outpatient clinic appointments will be cancelled.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "We are working with Unison to manage disruption on the day and to ensure the need for safe service provision for patients during the action. Unison have undertaken to ensure that emergency and critically clinical can be maintained during the day of action."
The union also said an agreed protocol has been reached by the Health Trusts and Ambulance Service to protect patient safety.
The Ambulance Service will provide emergency cover but day case transport will be cancelled. However, in Social Services, transport, day centres and other facilities will be affected.
The first picket line will form after midnight at the Mater Hospital in north Belfast, and then at all hospitals across Northern Ireland from early morning.
In the Education sector, where Unison is one of a number of unions, some schools will close, others will have picket lines. Unison members will provide cover for all Special Needs Schools on the day but protest action will take place at each to highlight the fact that this one of hardest hit areas.
Patricia McKeown, Unison Regional Secretary said: "It is over 30 years since strike action took place simultaneously across our integrated Health & Social Care system.
"Many of the workers taking strike action on Wednesday were children themselves when the last main strike occurred.
"For the majority it will be the first time they have ever been on strike.
"This action does not come lightly to any member. They are sacrificing their pay in difficult times to highlight the impact of cuts on services and jobs," she said.
"We are standing up to protect services and jobs. Please stand with us," she appealed.
Vulnerable
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots commented: "My first concern remains with patients and clients and how they may be affected by the strike action that Unison has chosen to take.
"It is important that any disruption to our services is managed carefully and I know that Trusts have worked hard to achieve this.
"I have no doubt that there will be delays and that not all patients who were due to receive non-urgent treatment will be seen. People who expected and deserved procedures to remove pain and discomfort will continue to suffer. Therefore I find this strike highly regrettable," said the DUP Minister.
"However, I am assured that staff will continue to work in our emergency departments and services, inpatient services will continue and that those people, who are among the most vulnerable, and rely on services in their own homes or in residential settings will continue to receive their treatment and care.
"I respect the democratic right of any trade union to take lawful industrial action, but strike action is unnecessarily disruptive to patients and staff.
"I would re-iterate that my door is always open and I am always prepared to talk to those who represent the healthcare workforce - that is how to get things resolved."
Mr Poots continued: "I fully appreciate the excellent work of our health service staff who work tirelessly to provide a high quality health service in very challenging times."
(BMcC/GK)
The Belfast Trust has already said that 1,000 hospital outpatient appointments have been cancelled with picket lines expected to form in a protest against the impact of cuts on services and jobs.
The action is expected to cause widespread disruption as elective operations and outpatient clinic appointments will be cancelled.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "We are working with Unison to manage disruption on the day and to ensure the need for safe service provision for patients during the action. Unison have undertaken to ensure that emergency and critically clinical can be maintained during the day of action."
The union also said an agreed protocol has been reached by the Health Trusts and Ambulance Service to protect patient safety.
The Ambulance Service will provide emergency cover but day case transport will be cancelled. However, in Social Services, transport, day centres and other facilities will be affected.
The first picket line will form after midnight at the Mater Hospital in north Belfast, and then at all hospitals across Northern Ireland from early morning.
In the Education sector, where Unison is one of a number of unions, some schools will close, others will have picket lines. Unison members will provide cover for all Special Needs Schools on the day but protest action will take place at each to highlight the fact that this one of hardest hit areas.
Patricia McKeown, Unison Regional Secretary said: "It is over 30 years since strike action took place simultaneously across our integrated Health & Social Care system.
"Many of the workers taking strike action on Wednesday were children themselves when the last main strike occurred.
"For the majority it will be the first time they have ever been on strike.
"This action does not come lightly to any member. They are sacrificing their pay in difficult times to highlight the impact of cuts on services and jobs," she said.
"We are standing up to protect services and jobs. Please stand with us," she appealed.
Vulnerable
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots commented: "My first concern remains with patients and clients and how they may be affected by the strike action that Unison has chosen to take.
"It is important that any disruption to our services is managed carefully and I know that Trusts have worked hard to achieve this.
"I have no doubt that there will be delays and that not all patients who were due to receive non-urgent treatment will be seen. People who expected and deserved procedures to remove pain and discomfort will continue to suffer. Therefore I find this strike highly regrettable," said the DUP Minister.
"However, I am assured that staff will continue to work in our emergency departments and services, inpatient services will continue and that those people, who are among the most vulnerable, and rely on services in their own homes or in residential settings will continue to receive their treatment and care.
"I respect the democratic right of any trade union to take lawful industrial action, but strike action is unnecessarily disruptive to patients and staff.
"I would re-iterate that my door is always open and I am always prepared to talk to those who represent the healthcare workforce - that is how to get things resolved."
Mr Poots continued: "I fully appreciate the excellent work of our health service staff who work tirelessly to provide a high quality health service in very challenging times."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2014
Govt Workers Announce Strike Action For 14 October
Strike action has been announced by council workers in October, in a dispute over pay. Unison, Unite and GMB workers in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, have announced that they will "escalate" the pay dispute with the srike on 14 October. It is understood that almost 1 million workers are represented by the three unions.
Govt Workers Announce Strike Action For 14 October
Strike action has been announced by council workers in October, in a dispute over pay. Unison, Unite and GMB workers in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, have announced that they will "escalate" the pay dispute with the srike on 14 October. It is understood that almost 1 million workers are represented by the three unions.
16 December 2014
Trade Unions To Consider Strike Action Over Public Services Cuts
Trade unions in Northern Ireland are to hold a series of public meetings to consider industrial action over cuts to public services.
Trade Unions To Consider Strike Action Over Public Services Cuts
Trade unions in Northern Ireland are to hold a series of public meetings to consider industrial action over cuts to public services.
06 January 2023
Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
Unite the union has called on the Department for Infrastructure to intervene and ensure workers on the ferry service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island receive a cost of living pay increase and avoid further disruption to residents and economy of Northern Ireland's largest island.
Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
Unite the union has called on the Department for Infrastructure to intervene and ensure workers on the ferry service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island receive a cost of living pay increase and avoid further disruption to residents and economy of Northern Ireland's largest island.
23 September 2011
Health Workers To Walk Out
The trade union Unison has said the impact of 'front-line cuts' have prompted a one-day strike by its members next month. All their members in health and education will stage a 24-hour walkout on 5 October in what they said would affect all health workers - except doctors and teaching staff.
Health Workers To Walk Out
The trade union Unison has said the impact of 'front-line cuts' have prompted a one-day strike by its members next month. All their members in health and education will stage a 24-hour walkout on 5 October in what they said would affect all health workers - except doctors and teaching staff.
15 September 2011
DUP Slams Strikes Proposal
A prominent member of the DUP has slammed a major union's agreement to possible strike action over public sector pension reductions.
DUP Slams Strikes Proposal
A prominent member of the DUP has slammed a major union's agreement to possible strike action over public sector pension reductions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
