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Ambulances in London (photo from January 6): Because of high inflation, workers are demanding more money
Photo: Aaron Chown / dpa
Anyone who needs help has to wait longer: A widespread strike severely affected the emergency services in large parts of Great Britain on Wednesday.
Around 25,000 emergency doctors, ambulance drivers and emergency workers walked out of work in England and Wales.
They are demanding higher wage increases in line with inflation, which was recently at a good 10 percent, and better working conditions.
The conservative government, on the other hand, does not want to increase its offer of 4.75 percent more wages, which is based on the recommendation of a wage supervisory authority.
She argues that inflation-based increases are unaffordable and will only drive consumer prices higher.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay acknowledged on the BBC that the chronically underfunded NHS health service is under significant pressure.
The dissatisfaction is primarily directed against long waiting times when transferring patients from ambulances to emergency rooms, said Barclay.
He stressed that the government had promised investments.
The NHS called for people to call 911 if their life is in danger despite the strike.
The unions had announced that they would ensure basic supplies.
General practitioners and pharmacies were open as usual.
Patients should only dial the emergency call "if a patient is in danger of life or in critical condition," said the West Mitlands ambulance service via Twitter.
Ambulances would be dispatched “only for the most serious cases”.
In Great Britain there have been repeated strikes in numerous sectors for months.
Next week, new exits from the clinic staff are planned.
Employees at the railway and post office also repeatedly stop working.
There are also regional strikes by bus drivers and teachers.
The government now wants to restrict the right to strike by law in order to ensure basic services in critical areas such as the health service, fire brigade or rail transport.
The opposition and the union reacted with outrage.
mic/dpa-AFX