Pharmacy support workers at NHS Tayside to take strike action

Pharmacy Support Workers at NHS Tayside have voted to go on strike.

The Unite Union says a ballot of its members last month resulted in a 90% turnout and showed overwhelming support for action, including strike action.

Continuous strike action will start on Monday 19th August, and will include a ban on overtime.

It follows a long running dispute around the health board’s job evaluation process, with Unite claiming a number of issues have seen staff paid at a lower grade than they should be. The union now wants an independent appeals process put in place.

This would involve bringing in panel members from outwith the NHS Tayside area that have had no involvement in the process, to conduct the appeals. Talks are still continuing between the two sides, but Unite says its members want to reserve the right to keep strike action on the table during the process.

Susan Robertson Unite Regional Industrial Officer said “Our Members feel let down, angry, frustrated and exhausted by the NHS job evaluation process and wish to reserve their right to take industrial action.”

“Strike action is clearly not ideal for our members, patients or their families, however our members feel this is the only option open to them at this time.”

“However the devil is in the detail and we would hope that the appeals process, if followed to the letter, would halt any action taking place."

NHS Tayside Director of Workforce George Doherty said, “We have received notice from Unite the Union to advise us of the intention of Pharmacy Support Workers in NHS Tayside to take industrial action starting on Monday, August 19, 2019.

“While we are disappointed to receive this correspondence, we have met with Unite representatives and we have jointly agreed a way forward which will allow us to continue our considerations with the aim of resolving this ongoing issue.

“We remain committed to achieving a resolution in partnership through our jointly-agreed processes."