In support of the Junior Doctors strike

Junior Doctors are striking again on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th June at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. This statement from one of the represented Unions, the HCSA, briefly outlines their experience of year-on-year erosion of pay and conditions.

"This year, junior doctors in England were given a pay uplift of only 2 percent. Meanwhile, inflation is sky-high, and costs of living have risen dramatically.

This situation is not new. Junior doctors have experienced real terms wage decline since 2008. And since the start of the current four-year fixed pay deal – opposed by HCSA – junior doctors have been locked out of higher pay awards every single year.

We recognise that the DDRB pay review system is broken. HCSA is campaigning for reform. But the situation is urgent, and so HCSA is calling for junior doctors in England to participate in a full industrial ballot and show the government we will not put up with pay cuts.

The NHS cannot afford to continue losing us to careers abroad or outside of medicine. That’s why HCSA Junior Doctors are campaigning for pay restoration. Junior Doctors have voted overwhelmingly to strike."

Chesterfield UCU wholeheartedly support their action and have sent messages of solidarity. If anyone is available to join their picket lines before work, I’m sure you would be welcomed - message us for more information.

The #RespectFE Charter

In recent years staff in FE England have seen pay, working conditions and professionalism undermined. This year employers and unions must start working together and affect the desperately needed change. The #RespectFE ballot will open at the beginning of the Autumn term. 

Please support this campaign by adding your name and inviting colleagues and supporters to do the same. We call on the Association of Colleges (AoC) and college leaders to work with us and sign our pledge for a new settlement in further education in England.

https://respectfe.org.uk/

Chesterfield May Day Rally 2023

Our Health and Safety Officer Matt Taylor and Equality Officer Harry Bracken proudly represented UCU Chesterfield at the annual Chesterfield May Day March and Rally last month. Celebrating the values of solidarity with Trade Unions and workers around the region and marching for a fairer world for all.