UNISON, the largest union in the NHS, is reporting that there has been no significantly improved pay offer – despite government talks. The union has sent a communication to it’s members today that the dispute over pay continues.
UNISON has advised NHS members including porters, admin, catering and nurses that talks with Government ministers concluded without a significantly improved offer being tabled. The Scottish government had indicated that a significantly improved offer would be forthcoming at yesterday’s meeting.
The union has told it’s 50,000 members that: “It is essential that UNISON members vote to take strike action over pay if we are to secure the pay offer NHS staff deserve.”
Wilma Brown, chair of UNISON’s health committee said: “I have written to all our NHS members this morning to urge them to vote for strike action. We are disappointed that talks did not make any progress yesterday and that we are still so far apart. We are stressing to UNISON members to make sure they return their strike ballot as soon as possible. We need to send a strong message to the Scottish government that NHS staff deserve a fair pay deal.”
Notes:
- UNISON is the largest union in the NHS. UNISON is balloting over 50,000 members and urging them to vote for strike action over pay.
- UNISON ballot closes on 31 October and UNISON members will be able to take industrial action from 28 November.
- UNISON represents 50,000 NHS workers across the Agenda for Change pay agreement including nurses, midwives and support staff such as domestics, porters and admin workers. The union has membership in every health board in Scotland.
UNISON Contacts
Matt McLaughlin, UNISON Scotland’s head of health: 07904 341 979
Wilma Brown, chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee: 07974 027 847
Danny Phillips, communication officer: 0771 771 5277 /07944 664 110