GMB joins Northern Ireland health strike

GMB members are set to join a mass strike of health workers taking place across Northern Ireland.

In a ballot for industrial action, more than 92% voted to strike Action and action short of strike action.

GMB Northern Ireland NHS branch secretary and reps will now meet on Monday [January 13] to discuss strategy for industrial action across Health and Social Care Services.

Thousands of healthcare workers across Northern Ireland are staging strike action on Friday today over pay and staffing levels.

Jim Donley, GMB Organiser, said:

“Members are angry at how they have been treated by the Department of Health and HSC employers.

“Unsafe staffing levels are having a detrimental impact on patient care and health care staff, and it's getting worse.

“It’s about time the department of Health and HSC employers fully recognise the strength of feeling on these issues.

“In the event our assembly is finally restored, our MLAs and the Secretary of State must hold good on the promises they have made to striking workers.

“We do not want sympathetic words we want pay parity and staff shortages addressed immediately.”