SAM GALBRAITH for 12 percent.
claim. medical protession to struggling for a just settlement.
Union, which is a section of ASTMS.
ASTMS.
Why do you support the Medicine needs a team approach. I can't do my job without help from lots of people and many of these people are getting below subsistence wages. I am concerned with the whole of the health service not Just my work. I nave lo support the health workers wno nave subsidisea une health service for years.
What is the general attitude of the medical profession?
The majority believe the claim is just. But the ma¡ority are opposed to industrial action. They want to have their cake and eat However, if you really do believe the claim is just then you have to put the action on the Tory green- Dane for present Consultants talk about 'responsibility' and that health workers struggling for a living wage are irresponsible. cas talk about responsibility when you earn f30,000 a La consultant neurosurgeon at the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow. The Southern General is one of the largest hospitals in the area and its workforce has been right at the forefront of the demand Mr Galbraith has spoken at meetings and rallies throughout Scotland in support of the He is one of the few members of the have done so and his contribution has been valued by those who are Mr Galbraith is a Labour Party member, and is also a member of the Medical Practioners He gave the following interview to Marie Louise Irvine, also a doctor and a member of year.
People should know that the Medical Association voted this year to retain the right to strike.
Do you see the government pay offer part of a general attack on the NHS?
Yes, I do. There are many issues involved. There is an 27 August, the Council are coordinating broaden the dispute. attack on the health service and the trade union movement. In recognising Message from Scottish health workers of the main issues. healthworkers are fighting for a decent living wage -the 12 percent. At present we are fighting the Tories on a specific issue. And it is around this issue that the whole trade union movement must unite.
What do you think of the stoppage by all amonses in support of lne claim?
I support it. service belongs evervone and a toppag in vould be an effective wa to show the government that there is overwhelming support for the claim.
Tory as Do you think the present more aware of the threat to the NHS?
One of the great spin-offs The Grampian Association of Heaith Service Unions have called for a half day stoppage in Aberdeen city factories and offices for Friday day after the RCN ballot results. There will be a demonstration and rally on the same day and Aberdeen Trades campaign Workplace meetings and mass leafletings are being organised. In Aberdeen at the moment emergency and accident cover is being operated, and 19 out of 27 medical record staff are on indefinite strike. The strike committee see that the only way forward for the dispute locally and nationally is solidarity from other workers.
is that it has brought the NHS into the once again. The Labour Solidarity Party had lost interest in the NHS, socialists are there are big problems that have to be sorted out.
What sort of problems?
Lack management, lack of acr money, countability national medical protession and the encroachment trade medicine. Services Wing reduced by the Tories.
Greater Glasgow Board has announced cuts The health of £6 million, to seriously affect health care national in this city. Four solidarity may be Southern General. It is not the case that bed places are being redistributed. They are being reduced.
What is the fight the cuts?
The solution political one. through and the Labour Party. have to campaign improving the vice and reversing the cuts is high on the Labour Party agenda, and to sure they do about it.
How do you tackle problems to described?
We need a campaign in the Labour Party to raise conthe NHS Health Act of 1980 did a lot of damage to the NHS.
There was the Labour This very most urgent to defend the health service. Remember it's easier to prevent things being done, limelight them once they have hap Opened.
and young used to all slaye the the women this has also been voted again at four or five other meetings. to stay always been unanimous, even £40 a week.
but now realising the of private Health that will wards the best way to It has to be unions so that health sermake something the have The little response party baa. It is than to fight out the Greater ai ca lu scul are only getting DCOLLISE out indennile strike acton.
We now need all the ioini shop stewards committees in : Glasgow , health the TUC unionists lUC caling for all health workers to WANTS M H LION LAON OR cover only luch we should cano te this settled who support the that if the TUC carrie come ou these demands we can win the for a 24-hour stoppage of 12 percent Socialist Challenge 28 August 198,
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