Midwives vote to strike for the first time in 133 years

The Midwives in England have voted to go on strike in a dispute with the Government over their pay, the Royal College of Midwives announced today.

The decision is the first time in its 133 year history that Royal College of Midwives members will have taken strike action.

Midwives also voted yes to action short of a strike. Industrial action will start on the morning of Monday, 13th October with a four-hour stoppage.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said 82.2 per cent of midwives said they were prepared to take part in a strike, while 17.8 per cent said they were not. More than 94 percent of midwives said they were prepared to take part in action short of a strike.

The turnout of those eligible to was 49.4, the RCM said.

The yes vote follows the rejection by employers of the Independent NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) recommendation of a 1 per cent pay rise for NHS staff.