NHS workers and ambulance staff in Wiltshire could strike over pay dispute
GMB Union is balloting all members
Members of a Union, from across Wiltshire's NHS hospital and ambulance trusts, could go on strike over a wage dispute.
It's after more than 90% of GMB's members rejected a government offer in September, for a 3% pay rise.
Members of 55 trusts, including Great Western Hospital and South Western Ambulance Service, will be asked whether they support industrial action.
In March, NHS staff across the country were offered a 1% pay rise. That was heavily criticised following the strain of the pandemic.
The government later offered a 3% rise, backdated to April 2021, after accepting recommendations from the pay review body.
GMB wants a "restorative" increase of 15% or £2 an hour, whichever is highest, to "replace what has been lost from NHS pay packets over the last decade".
'Paltry pay offer'
Nick Day, Lead NHS Officer for Southern Region, said:
“Despite an 94% rejection of the paltry pay offer by GMB members back in September - there has been no hint of an intervention to try and resolve this dispute by the government.
“We therefore ... open our strike ballot for GMB members across 55 NHS Trusts in South East, South London. Dorset and Wiltshire - and call on members to support industrial action".
'They have said enough is enough'
According to Mr Day, members have endured a decade of "pay rises below the cost of living".
“With the upcoming rise in National Insurance, the soaring cost of fuel and energy and the lack of resources and staff in our NHS, they have said enough is enough.
“We will only get a resolution to this when the Government makes a serious attempt to engage. Until then the only choice is progress with the GMB’s industrial action ballot," he added.
The ballot closes on 15th December. Any industrial action would take place in the New Year.
Greatest Hits Radio has contacted both South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Great Western Hospital for a response.