UK: Unionized health workers to strike in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland Dec. 20-21

Event

Unionized healthcare workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland plan to strike Dec. 20 and 21 to demand increased pay. Nurses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland associated with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) plan to strike on Dec. 20; three unions representing ambulance workers in England and Wales have called for strikes on Dec. 21. Striking workers will protest outside health facilities on strike days. Further ambulance worker strikes are planned for Dec. 28.

Unless averted, the strikes will prompt significant disruption to healthcare services, including a reduction in available services and cancelations of routine appointments; disruptions could persist following strike days as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients. Union organizers state that essential emergency medical services will remain available on strike days. Demonstrations outside medical facilities could cause localized disruption.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland through Dec. 20-21. Avoid all demonstrations.