UK: Paramedics join strike in face of inflexible government

Health workers demonstrate outside St Thomas' Hospital in London on December 20, 2022. © NIKLAS HALLE'N / AFP

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In the aftermath of the nurses, British paramedics are preparing to go on strike on Wednesday, joining a social movement that affects multiple sectors, but in the face of which the government remains inflexible.

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From our correspondent,

Marie Boëda

In the United Kingdom, after the nurses, it is the turn of the paramedics to go on strike, this Wednesday, December 21.

They are demanding a pay rise like many public sector workers.

The authorities have already warned that this day would be dangerous for patients, even if they try to put in place measures to replace them, the strikers.

This Tuesday, 600 soldiers will drive ambulances, 150 stand ready to assist them.

They have been trained in recent days to replace the 10,000 paramedics who join the picket lines.

Hospitals have also freed up beds to prepare for this day.

The emergency services have asked the population to contact them only if there is a danger of death.

For the rest, they recommend calling a doctor or going to a pharmacy.

But despite everything, the authorities fear that in some regions, a stroke or a heart attack will not be treated in time.

A strike that could last for many months

Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak

said he was disappointed that the unions were calling for a strike just before Christmas: “ 

is it really necessary 

” he asked?

The discussions are not progressing, the actions of caregivers represent a major challenge for Downing Street which is facing a public hospital in crisis.

If a solution is not found, the unions say they are ready to continue the strikes for another six months.

► To read also: The winter of anger for the workers of the United Kingdom

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