Big victory for Wigan NHS strike against privatisation

Kick out the privatisers!, photo Mary Finch (Click to enlarge)

Becci Heagney, North West Socialist Party organiser

In an outstanding example of how privatisation in the NHS is not inevitable, striking workers in Wigan have forced their NHS trust to drop all plans for outsourcing cleaning, catering and domestic services.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust were attempting to move staff to a wholly owned subsidiary company called WWL Solutions. However, workers were not willing to accept this step towards privatisation and what it would mean for both their pay and conditions, and patient care.

After a series of strikes, including first a 48-hour strike and then a five-day strike, NHS unions Unison and Unite had announced a seven-day strike starting 17 July.

The strike received huge backing from people both in Wigan and nationally throughout the NHS. Patients, staff and members of the public overwhelmingly support the NHS as a publicly owned and run service and don't want to see further privatisation.

It was announced on 4 July that Wigan Council has stepped in to provide the extra funding to the NHS trust and it has been agreed that all plans for privatisation will no longer go ahead.

This victory highlights that NHS workers are willing to fight to defend jobs, pay and services, where a lead is given. Importantly it shows that when you fight, you can win - and this is something that health unions in other areas and nationally should take stock of.

National action

A national programme of strike action throughout the NHS would be supported and could push back the privatisation agenda, win a decent pay rise for staff, and even bring down this weak Tory government.

It also shows that where there is the will, local government can step in to prevent cuts and privatisation in the NHS.

Labour councils should now come out completely against privatisation and cuts in the NHS, particularly by opposing the 'sustainability and transformation plans' which require local government support.

It's one example of what can be done now, instead of just arguing we need to wait until a future Labour government.

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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.