HEALTHCARE STRIKES

2014

Biggest strike in 30 years

In the first strike regarding pay in over three decades, thousands of nurses, midwives and ambulance staff walked out in 2014. Staff refused to work overtime without being paid and demanded taking their breaks. Despite this, emergency healthcare was covered and the police stepped in to assist ambulance services

2015

Midwives strike in Northern Ireland

Following the 2014 strike, all midwives in England, Scotland and Wales were awarded a 1% pay rise. As a result, midwives in Northern Ireland took part in a fourhour strike. Although senior midwives in Northern Ireland received a pay rise, those on lower pay bands did not.

2022

Largest strike in NHS history

Last year, nurses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in a nationwide strike – the biggest in NHS history. After ministers refused to reopen pay talks, the Royal College of Nursing said they had no choice but to strike. The government described the 19% pay rise demand as ‘unaffordable’.