Nurses come together in Newcastle to strike for fair pay

Nurses across the UK who are members of the Royal College of Nursing went on strike yesterday, (December 15) to take action for fair pay.

Nurses employed by Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust gathered in groups at picket lines at both The Freeman Hospital and The Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The Royal College of Nursing are asking for a pay rise above the inflation rate, in order to reflect the work they do. They have said that the average pay of nurses has decreased by 6% within 10 years, between the years of 2011 and 2012.

The nurses were armed with various signs, some of which were homemade. A sign reading “shy bairns get nowt, help before we all burn out” could be seen at the picket line at The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Joining the nurses were patients who were standing in solidarity with the nurses. “The NHS saved my life at five years of age” said Liz, a retired teacher who believes nurses deserve better pay.

Another patient named Jean, who had been at hospital that day for a small operation, also took to the picket line to join the nurses. She said: “It’s the best thing we’ve got - the NHS. We have got to support it, and support the people working for it.”

However, Health and Social Care secretary Steve Barclay, has said that although the government is hugely grateful to nurses for the work they do, the 19% pay rise is not affordable.

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak was questioned on the RCN nurses strikes. Labour MP Kier Starmer, described the nurses strike as a “badge of shame” for the government. Sunak responded by saying that the government had offered a fair pay deal to nurses, and that they were given a 3% pay rise last year.

RCN nurses will be striking again on Tuesday, December 20, between the hours of 7.30am and 8pm.