In their first nationwide strike in the 106-year history of their union, British nurses employed by the government-funded National Health Service went on strike on December 15.
On December 20, there will be a second strike. We describe what is occurring and why.
Even though news reports suggested that the health secretary, Steve Barclay, was likely to urge health unions for new talks.
The government on Monday appeared adamant on not agreeing to the nurses' main demand of salary hikes as Britain braces for the second day of their strike against the state-funded National Health Service.
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In the 106-year existence of the nursing union, the first strike, a nationwide walkout, took place on December 15.
At 76 hospitals and health facilities, an estimated 100,000 nurses reportedly went on strike, cancelling an estimated 70,000 appointments.
On Tuesday, the same number is anticipated to strike. Wales, England, and Northern Ireland are all impacted by the strike, but not Scotland.
During the strike, emergency care and life-threatening conditions are treated.
In response to the nurses' strike, UK cabinet minister Oliver Dowden told the BBC that "We will be resolute to this.
Because it would be irresponsible to allow public sector pay and inflation to get out of control and we owe a wider duty to the public to make sure we keep our public finances under control."
Why the nurses are striking
The NHS nurses are demanding higher pay because they allege that because of the poor salary, many are abandoning the field, leaving it dangerously understaffed and overworked, as well as jeopardising the standard of care provided to patients.
The Guardian reports that a record number of 47,496 full-time equivalent nurse openings existed in England at the end of September, marking a vacancy rate of 11.9%.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union has asked for a pay increase of 5% over the inflation rate, which was 14% in November.
According to the union, members' incomes have decreased by 6% during the past ten years.
What the govt says
Based on recommendations from an independent NHS Pay Review Body, the government has stated that the 4% pay increase provided to nurses is appropriate and that anything more would be financially unsustainable.
Health secretary Barclay stated, "I have listened to unions and am open to continue conversations, but their [wage] demands are not affordable in the economic situation."
A similar stance has been taken by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who maintains that the administration is open to negotiations and calls the pay offer "reasonable and fair."
The health secretary has always made it clear that his door is always open for conversations; we want to be reasonable and helpful, Sunak told the BBC.
All public sector employees deserve our deepest gratitude for the work they do, even if I am aware that times are tough right now.
Because of this, the government offers a lot of assistance to citizens, especially with regard to their energy expenses.
The government has also noted that following the epidemic, when raises were frozen for several sectors, nurses earned a 3% pay raise.
Additionally, there are concerns that accepting the pay review body's recommendations for negotiation may result in similar demands in other industries, which the government cannot afford.
Pressure rising on govt
Despite its firm stance, the Sunak administration is facing pressure from a number of sources,
including the fact that a significant portion of the public supports the nurses' strike, some Labour politicians,
including Ian Byrne and John McDonnell, have crossed picket lines to take pictures with the striking workers, and growing unease among Tories.
According to a survey conducted by Observer and quoted by The Guardian, three-fifths (60%) of voters indicated they backed the nurses' action following.
Thursday's strike, an increase of three points from the previous poll conducted a fortnight earlier. Approximately 29%, a one-point decrease, opposed the nurses' move.
At least two prominent Conservatives have stated that the government should enhance its offer to nurses, including former health minister Dan Poulter and former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry.
What next
The nurses' union has vowed to intensify its strikes if their demands are not satisfied.
The RCN's general secretary, Pat Cullen, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The government should tie this up by Christmas.
If compelled to proceed, January's strikes will involve more hospitals and nurses than at present; 2023 ought to be a new beginning for everyone, not more of the same.
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