IT HAS so far lasted 236 days, the longest in NHS history, and it is the achievement of the Gloucestershire phlebotomists (who take blood samples from patients).

They have picketed, rallied and lobbied. This small group of minimum wage staff have a simple demand — they want to be paid fairly for the work they do.

To the shame of the Labour government, and the Health Secretary Wes Streeting, this strike is one of many which could be solved via government intervention.

These bitter, long disputes, like the ongoing strike of refuse workers in Birmingham, are damaging Labour’s electoral support base, as seen recently when Liberal Democrats picked up a council seat in the Mosley by-election in Birmingham.

The board of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been as poor as the so-called party (Labour) that will “Make Work Pay.”

This unanimous failure in governance and government has meant that local residents have taken action into their own hands, in support of the phlebotomists.

A petition, started by a Gloucestershire local resident, has attracted over 5,000 signatures calling on the board to take action against a CEO with numerous allegations of ‘“brutal” and “calculated” bullying.

The length and difficulty of this dispute means it is of national significance for all workers, but most importantly those in the health service. Its significance means it demands our solidarity to back them to win.

At Strike Map we know the value of solidarity actions and linking together unions, that do not always work collaboratively, to harness our collective power to win.

It was at the first ever Birmingham “megapicket” organised by Strike Map on May 9 that I first met in person the striking phlebotomists, who had travelled in numbers to show solidarity with the Brum bin workers.

Since then, Strike Map has been proud to build a strong relationship with these workers and at next week’s FBU national school we will be hosting a panel of striking workers, including one of these incredible strikers.

So like we did in Birmingham and Hull (in support of Aslef comrades), we are going to be mobilising across the country to encourage as many as possible to attend the “Solidarity Rally” called by Unison on Monday November 17 at Gloucester Shire Hall, GL1 2TG, starting at 11am. Speakers will include Caroline Hayhurst (striking phlebotomist), Paul Nowak (TUC general secretary) and Christina McAnea (Unison general secretary).

We know that petitions, writing to MPs, and holding decision-makers accountable through digital actions can help build towards disputes, but we also know that turning up at rallies, demos and picket lines (especially though “megapickets” that shut sites) are the most effective tools available to workers.

We look forward to seeing comrades in Gloucestershire in a few weeks, and we encourage those joining to follow us straight after the rally to join the picket line.

Solidarity cannot just be a social media hashtag. We know that the wider trade union and labour movement won’t disappoint. See you on November 17.

Victory to the Gloucester Phlebotomists!

Henry Fowler is co-founder Strike Map 
RSVP to join the demonstration here