GMB Union NHS strike ballot opens today
Healthcare staff across the southern region are pushing for a 15% pay rise
A strike ballot for southern NHS staff seeking a 15% pay rise opens today.
The GMB Union have described the five week ballot as "the last step" before a possible walk out of front line NHS staff in the New Year.
It follows the Government's offer of a 3% pay rise earlier this year.
Gary Palmer GMB Regional Organiser said: "The NHS professionals who have risked their own lives saving and caring for our families want the heart-warming claps of appreciation and thank you badges to now translate into a pay rise which does more than leave them feeling unappreciated and in further despair and deeper debt.
"Any possible strike action would come in the new year as its hoped at that time that the other NHS unions might also have reached thresholds allowing them to carry out strike ballots as well - coordinated action across the NHS would of course have the greatest impact and hopefully bring the government back to the table
"But to be clear, if our members vote for industrial action, the GMB Union, if needs be, will organise strike action walk outs alone but hope our sister unions members can at least support us by not then crossing picket lines’
"It’s a shame it’s come to this, but the use of the pay body review board stops the real representation of members views and negotiations by their respective Trade unions on pay, but of course that’s purposeful by this government.
"When really though it's quite simple. We all owe everyone in the NHS so much that we must support them by not only taking this fight for 15% on but by winning, and winning the very best deal we can and they deserve."
The ballot closes on the 15th of December.