Health workers to begin industrial action
Action short of strike is being taken by NIPSA and UNISON members
Healthcare workers from two of Northern Ireland's biggest unions will begin industrial action today
UNISON and NIPSA members will take action short of strike in a dispute over pay, before escalating to a day of strike action on the 12th of December.
It comes ahead of planned national walk-outs by the Royal College of Nursing union on the 15th and 20th.
A joint statement from UNISON and NIPSA said, “members in all employment areas in the health service in Northern Ireland will begin action short of strike action from Monday 5 December. Health service wide strike action will take place on Monday 12 December. This is the first strike in the health service since 2019.”
“A return to strike action is a reflection of the depth of the crisis in the health service. Health workers in Northern Ireland who have made enormous sacrifices during the COVID pandemic have not even received a 2022/23 pay offer from their employers.”
“An effective and efficient health service cannot be based on driving down the living standards of staff some of whom who now rely on food banks. A decent pay rise is essential to maintain the stability of the workforce and retain staff.”
“To achieve the best possible outcome for all health service workers, NIPSA and UNISON recognise that cooperation between trade unions is essential. Both unions are committed to working together in all Trusts on our industrial action strategies and ensuring the wider alliance of trade unions across the health service pursues a decent pay rise.”
“NIPSA and UNISON together represent members across all areas and professions in the health service in Northern Ireland and will fight for a settlement that meets our call to protect workers against inflation and the cost of living crisis.”
“Patient safety remains very important for health staff who will take industrial action. Discussions have already begun to ensure the employers take the necessary steps to protect patients during the dispute.”
In July an independent pay review body recommended health workers should get a pay rise of £1,400, however workers in Northern Ireland have yet to receive an increase.
Former Health Minister Robin Swan has previously said he wasn't legally able to maintain pay parity in the absence of an Executive.
He's asked the Secretary of State to use his powers to do it.
The Department of Health has said it shares the frustration of health care staff at the ongoing absence of a pay award for this year and that it’s been unable to progress with pay body recommendations due to "unprecedented circumstances".
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