health and medicine
News and articles about work, policy and workers' struggles in hospitals and pharmaceuticals around the world.
German public sector strike grows
German public sector workers expanded their week-old strike to most of the country on Monday in an escalating dispute over plans to make them work longer hours.
Public workers in nine of Germany's 16 states were stopped work on Monday, compared to only two last week, making it the biggest stoppage in public services for 14 years.
The Ver.di labor union, the country's biggest, is protesting against plans to make some public employees work 40 hours a week compared to the current 38.5 hours with no extra compensation.
German public sector strike grows
German public sector workers expanded their week-old strike to most of the country on Monday in an escalating dispute over plans to make them work longer hours.
Public workers in nine of Germany's 16 states were stopped work on Monday, compared to only two last week, making it the biggest stoppage in public services for 14 years.
The Ver.di labor union, the country's biggest, is protesting against plans to make some public employees work 40 hours a week compared to the current 38.5 hours with no extra compensation.
NHS failing asylum seekers
New research shows the the growing inequalities in healthcare in the UK that the NHS is unable to tackle.
The 16 January 2006 saw the launch of Project London, a new health care project in the east end of London. Project London is organised by Médecins du Monde (UK), a charity that organises health care across the world but is increasingly becoming involved in projects in western Europe.
Strike wave sweeps India
India has seen a wave of strikes this month
Toyota workers strike over wages in Bangalore
Lorry drivers strike over welfare fund, Kerala
Taxi and Autorickshaw fare strike, Kerala
Junior Doctors strike over violence and police brutality, Uttar Pradesh
NHS Pensions Agency staff vote for strike action
Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working for the NHS Pensions Agency (NHSPA) in Fleetwood have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over the effects of plans to privatise the agency.
80% of those taking part in the ballot voted in favour of a one day strike on 20 January. The agency which looks after the pensions of approximately 1. 25 million NHS staff is set for privatisation this year without a tender process or any competition.
NHS workers strike in Newcastle
Over 600 staff at hospitals in Newcastle were out on a 24 hour strike this week with more potential action coming up.
The industrial action is the result of new Agenda for Change rules which allow new staff to earn more than staff with many years of experience.
This has seen staff with more than 20 years of experience being paid 20p an hour less than colleagues who are new to the job.
Unions back down, public sector workers split in pensions deal
The government has claimed a victory in the pensions crisis after they secured their target for total pensions savings up to 2055.
Negotiations between the Trade and industry Department and the Trades Union Council wound up last month after an agreement was reached that existing workers would be exempt from plans to raise the age of retirement and sever the link between pensions and final salaries.
An activist's guide to basic first aid
A short guide to health care and first aid to be used on demonstrations or during direct action when injuries are possible, such as large pickets, blockades or demonstrations.
Preparation
What to wear
- Comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in.
- Clothing covering all your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure.
- Shatter-resistant eye protection (ie. Sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask)
- Bandana to cover nose and mouth soaked in water or vinegar, it can aid breathing during chemical exposure.
Mitev, Todor 'Tocho', 1926-2002
A short biography of Bulgarian anarchist and doctor Todor 'Tocho' Mitev who fled Bulgaria after refusing to be a police spy, and eventually settled in France.
Todor Mitev
Nicknamed 'Tocho', born 26 March 1926 - Bulgaria, died 17 August 2002 - France
