Day of Action: what happened in the capital

RCN Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter spent the Day of Action on 30 November meeting members in London who were having their say on the proposed changes to NHS pensions.

He started the day at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith, speaking to a small group of members who were using official break times to protest against pension changes.

They told Dr Carter how long they had been working, and what the increase would mean to them. He also spoke to striking staff from other unions who were picketing the main entrance.

Dr Carter’s next engagement was at a rally for staff who work at St Thomas’ Hospital – which is located on the River Thames directly opposite the Houses of Parliament.
At the rally in the nearby Archbishop’s Park, Dr Carter spoke alongside staff members and colleagues from other unions.

He referred to a report into public sector pensions, commissioned by the current coalition government and written by former Labour minister Lord Hutton. Dr Carter said: “You know the summary – work longer, pay more and get less. One of the most absurd proposals is that public sector staff work until they are 68 years old.

“I am appaled that a former Labour minister wrote the report which made that recommendation.”

He spoke of social reformers, such as Aneurin Bevan who was Health Secretary when the NHS was formed in 1948. Dr Carter said they knew they might not see the results of some of their social reforms but they would make a difference for generations to come.

Dr Carter said the pensions protests were not just for current NHS staff, but future generations of workers.

At a rally on Victoria Embankment, in the shadows of the Houses of Parliament, Dr Carter joined members who marched with trade union colleagues from Lincoln’s Inn Field.

They heard RCN Deputy President Cecilia Anim address the rally, to great support from the audience.

She said: “We will not be bullied. We will not let them take away our pensions. We have to work more. We have to pay more. We have to get less. What type of deal is that?”
Cecilia added: “Can you see nurses in the community with a Zimmer frame at 68? No!”