SDLP hopeful Gerry Mullan has called for solidarity with the Royal College of Midwives who staged a 4 hour strike on Thursday last.
He said: ‘The public need to know that the nursing profession has been pushed to their limit, taken for granted and walked over by a management regime that doesn’t even pay them the salaries they are entitled to.
‘The Royal College of Midwives deserves the full support of all political parties and public representatives. Sadly there was a marked scarcity of individuals normally keen to pose for the pics but noted by their absence during the four hour picket.
‘As a candidate in the forthcoming Westminster election I was delighted to join my SDLP colleagues to express solidarity with the midwives and to reassure them that they are appreciated for constantly going well beyond the call of duty to ensure that their patients receive the best of care.
‘I was disgusted to learn that management told the picketers that they couldn’t wear uniform while protesting and I just wonder if the people laying down this dictate begin to understand the gem they have in the medical profession.
‘Regardless of whoever heads up a new government at Westminster it must move immediately to ensure that the demoralisation that has taken place among all health care workers is addressed, their incomes are restored and recognition is given to the vocation they represent.
