I believe every union has the right to strike and take suitable action to stand up for its members’ rights. I also believe action that puts people’s health, if not lives, at risk is unjustified and unethical, especially if we are talking about a union which purportedly espouses the values of human life and well-being.
I have great respect for midwives and nurses. However, I fear the current strategy adopted by their union is doing them a serious disservice.
Equally of concern is the fact that this union has decided that our health comes second to union interests. Therefore, the following two questions are not addressed to the union itself, but to those who are genuinely dedicated to their professions:
1. Are you comfortable with the fact that those you should be caring for are being used as human bargaining chips?
2. Is this what nursing and midwifery is all about?
If you are honest with yourself, you know the right answers to these questions.