British unions which represent workers in the National Health Service, a publicly funded health care system, are discussing plans for a strike in anticipation of negotiations failing later this fall. The unions say that they feel that talks will be unsuccessful, and that they want to plan any strikes early so that patient care is not compromised. Most of the talks hinge on pensions, and the final settlement number for each union will be given on September 8th. Talks conclude on October 8th.
See "Unions plan NHS-wide strike over pensions", Polly Curtis and Dan Milmo, Guardian Unlimited (UK), August 24, 2011