NHS

HEALTH WORKERS in Manchester plan a demonstration this Saturday, 8 June, in protest at cuts. A mass meeting of over 500 people pushed management into postponing their plan to axe 26 staff from mental health services.

'They have only postponed these cuts because of the huge protests. It shows we can win,' said one health worker. Proposals to make huge cuts in all areas of Manchester's health service are due to the massive cost of the new Private Finance Initiative hospital in Wythenshawe.

NHS Central and North Manchester have £5.5 million cuts each, South Manchester up to £7 million and mental health over £2 million. Many people are shocked that despite the budget we still face cuts.
Karen Reissmann, chair joint shop stewards committee

Homerton

AROUND 100 domestics, porters, catering staff and other hospital workers protested at the Homerton Hospital trust board meeting in Hackney, east London, last week.

The demonstration was part of forcing the trust to make its contractors pay a wage of at least £6.30 an hour. Unison steward Diana Swingler told Socialist Worker, 'These staff are an essential part of the caring hospital team. It is a disgrace that they are paid so little.'