‘What should I bring to the picket line?’ nurse asks Twitter
Posted 09 December 2022 - 10:00
Social media inundated with suggestions as thousands of nurses prepare to take strike action in England and Wales for the first time on 15 December
Nurses going on strike this month have been advised to bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes and the ‘warm support’ of colleagues not able to walk out.
Thousands of nurses will take to picket lines in England and Wales for the first time next week, leading a nurse on Twitter to ask what they should take in their bag and how they should prepare.
‘Wear more layers than you think you need,’ says supporter
She was inundated with replies, with many suggesting warm, waterproof clothes, boots and umbrellas, as well as hot drinks, banners and leaflets, and not forgetting determination and a sense of humour.
A postal worker said: ‘Wear more layers than you think you need, especially if it's windy. As a postie, I'm used to being outside for hours but it's completely different when you're standing in one spot for hours.’
Another Twitter user added: ‘Really warm clothes and boots. It’s much better if people do fairly short stints in shifts organised beforehand.
‘Also, don’t be afraid to approach people walking past with a leaflet and say: ‘‘This is why we’re on strike today’’. It’s a way to engage with the public.’
Bring ‘a cheery attitude’, charged phone and a placard to picket line
A nurse whose trust did not pass the 50% turnout threshold required by law said he would be doing a ‘doughnut drop’ in solidarity with those striking.
‘You can take along the warm support of colleagues whose trusts have not met the 50% target – mine missed by seven votes so I will definitely be doing a doughnut drop though being careful not to appear to be part of the picket line. Good luck – you are making a very important stand,’ he wrote.
Food and drinks, including sandwiches, flasks of tea, treats such as biscuits, cakes and sweets, water bottles and a ‘cheery attitude’ were among other suggestions.
A health worker wrote: ‘Make sure that you charge your phone fully because you will be posting a lot. Get a flag or placard so you can make an impression.
‘It’s a winter dispute so wrap up warm especially the socks and shoes as you are stood on concrete,’ while another person suggested: ‘comfy shoes, warm layers, a flask of coffee and a good voice for shouting.’
Make a stand for nursing staff who are unable to strike, urges one tweet
One forward-thinking person suggested locating the nearest public toilets, while many also advised bringing along folding chairs for comfort.
Up to 100,000 nurses across 80 NHS employers will take to picket lines on 15 and 20 December in a dispute over poor pay and patient safety concerns.
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