HAMPSHIRE health workers have pledged to continue going on strike until they receive a pay rise.
Thousands joined a four-hour walk-out at Southampton General, Princess Anne and Royal South Hants hospitals as well as several other clinics and services across the county.
Picket lines were formed for the second time in six weeks and the message to Government bosses was that the unions would not back down.
Sheila Vear, midwife at Princess Anne Hospital and member of the Royal College of Midwives, whose members went on strike for only the second time in its 130-plus-year history, said: “We mean business. Nobody wants to go on strike but we want a fair pay rise that has been recommended by an independent review.
“This will keep happening until the Government listens to us and takes action.”
Southampton General bosses said there was “minimal” disruption to services.
The workers are campaigning for a one per cent pay rise for all NHS staff although Government health chiefs say it is unaffordable.
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