Unite health sector members across the UK are unhappy with the recent pay offers from their respective governments. Unite lead health officers offer an update and explain why your voice matters.
Unite members in Scotland have voted by 89% to reject the Scottish Government’s offer of 5% across all agenda for change bands. Unite are now developing a strategy for industrial action and will be moving into a formal ballot across all NHS Scotland health boards. We hope that the Scottish Government begin further negotiations with Unite and others unions to negotiate a proper pay increase for all of our valued NHS members.
Meanwhile in Wales and England, Unite do not believe that the pay review body’s (PRB’s), recommendation is enough. We are asking members if they agree with this and whether they are prepared to take action in order to try and influence positive change. The ballot in both countries is now open and closes in England on the 11 September and in Wales on the 15 September. Unite hope that a high turnout, with a majority expressing opposition to the offers, will lead to both the Welsh and English governments responding with improved proposals.
Finally, in Northern Ireland a Unite consultative ballot started on 22 August and will close on 12 September. Unite will gauge the mood of NI members towards the PRB’s minimalist pay proposals that fall well short of member expectations. Without a functioning government nothing can be paid to health workers. However, it was industrial action in 2019/20 that saw the construct of the last administration in Stormont.
The cost of living crisis deepens daily and health sector workers regularly struggle to make ends meet. If you have not yet voted, Unite urge you to do so and soon. If you have not received your ballot notification, contact your local Unite representative or office. Your vote is important and your voice needs to be heard.
Lead health officers, Unite
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