FURTHER strikes could be held by health professionals in Barnsley if the government refuses to reconsider a pay rise.
About 80 medical staff formed a picket line outside Barnsley Hospital's main entrance on Monday morning after the government refused a one per cent pay rise.
Unions involved included the GMB, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), Unison and Unite.
It was the first time the RCM had taken industrial action in its history.
Julie Barton, RCM steward, said: "We did it because we've not had a pay rise in the past four years.
"We think it is only fair that people get a fair wage for the work they do. The majority of midwives work their contracted hours every week and most midwives will work six, seven, eight hours over every week. It all adds up.
"All we are asking for is a one per cent pay rise.
"If they don't budge we will be taking further strike action."
Julie said a lot of consideration was put into the decision to strike and emergency cover was provided so no mothers or babies were put at risk.
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated October 17. **
