Socialist Party Wales Socialism In Wales
Across Wales, and much of England, ambulance workers in GMB and Unite are on strike only answering emergency calls.
Anger is growing on the picket line against the UK Tory government’s refusal to even talk about a decent pay rise, but also at the Welsh Labour government that is keeping millions of pounds in reserves while refusing any further rise other than the 1.5% extra offered earlier this month.
All workers are at pains to point out that the dispute is about much more than their pay rise,as important as that is. Really is is about restoring the NHS which is mired in a deep crisis. The Welsh Labour government’s cuts have put the NHS under real pressure, accerbated by post-Covid demands but also by a declining workforce who have experienced a decade of pay cuts. Despite attacks by the Tory government on them public support for the strikers remain very high with constant supplies of biscuits, cakes and sweets being donated by well-wishers to the picket lines.
Many of the pickets were angered by the high-handed approach of Baroness Morgan, the Welsh health minister, who reportedly told union negotiators “what do you expect us to bloody do?” citing the lack of funding from the Tory government.
There was also talk on the picket lines for the Welsh government to follow the example of the Scottish government for a 14% rise over two year, which, while not enough, represents a significant step forward and piles the pressure on the UK and Welsh governments.
The Welsh government is sitting on millions of pounds in reserves while the NHS is experiencing its worse crisis on history. Pickets asked why the government could not use its tax powers to increase funding to the NHS. And Socialist Party Wales has called on the Welsh government to reverse its cuts to the NHS, meet the pay demands of NHS workers and add to the pressure on the weak, embattled Tory government by fighting for full funding.
Unite members will remain on strike at the Welsh Ambulance Trust on Tuesday and Wednesday. Support and solidarity can be taken to the picket lines between 10.00 am to 3.00 pm each day.
