RADIOGRAPHERS across the UK were on strike yesterday for the first time in more than 30 years in an escalating struggle over the Tory government’s refusal to give them a pay rise.
The strike, from 9am until 1pm was solid, with picket lines at hospitals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In addition to yesterday’s strike, radiographers will ‘work-to-rule’ for the rest of the week. Richard Evans, Society of Radiographers’ Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘There is the possibility of more action by radiographers in the future. The anger that they and other health professionals feel is very strong.’
Strikers were present en masse outside Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital yesterday, ensuring that for a second Monday in a row pickets were on duty there.
The union’s industrial relations rep, Liz Elfleet, told News Line: ‘The depth of feeling is strong. We need a living wage and we need to protect the future of the NHS.
‘Our biggest concern is that the NHS does not look attractive, and we need patients to be at the heart of the service. We feel that we have no choice but to strike.
‘When you can meet people who would rather work in ASDA because it is a better wage that just is not what we want for our patients.
‘We are closed today on everything except emergency services to ensure patients are protected. We need the government to take notice, I think we do need a general strike.
‘Everyone needs to be involved because I think that it affects everyone. Striking seems to be the only way we can get the message across.
‘The government are not listening to us. We need to make this action effective, the more effective the action the better the point can be made. What we need to do is sit down and negotiate, but the government – after their 11% pay rise, will not talk to us.’
Over forty radiographers were on a lively picket outside the front of St.Thomas’ Hospital, southeast London, yesterday morning during their four-hour strike.
Sheila Hassan, president elect of the Society of Radiographers and the union rep at Guys and St Thomas’ told News Line: ‘This strike is part of a continuing campaign in the pay dispute.
‘We have had 15% reduction in wages over five years. We now have radiographers who cannot afford to do their work and there is already a shortage in the profession.
‘130 staff are taking part in this action at Guys and Thomas’ Hospital Trust alone, so it is a very good turnout. No patients will be put in any jeopardy by our action.’
On the picket line, Kathryn Morris said: ‘The government set up a review body which recommended a 1% pay rise. Then they ignored it but paid themselves 11%. They are devaluing our
profession.
‘The government is constantly vilifying the NHS to try to give it a bad public image because they know that everyone loves it too much to allow the government to sell it off.’
Amanda-Jane Ansell said: ‘Refusing to increase our pay, undermines the hugely skilled and highly qualified professions which deliver care in the NHS.
‘No one will come in to a profession if the pay does not reflect the level of responsibility they carry and they are held in contempt by the government.
‘Despite what David Cameron says about his child being treated by the NHS, I would not be happy if my children were being treated by underpaid and overworked staff.’