FIRST WAVE OF UNISON HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS TO TAKE STRIKE ACTION
Today (25th November) UNISON members across the entire health and social services system will commence industrial action.
Commenting on the first day of industrial action, UNISON Regional Secretary, Patricia McKeown said:
“In the face of a spiralling crisis in our health and social services system – not of their own making - UNISON members are taking the brave step of being the first workers to take industrial action. They are determined to fight for justice on both pay and staffing levels.
Those workers on the picket lines at the Ulster Hospital include a Domestic services worker who has just received the prestigious Skills for Health Support Worker Award 2019 – an award covering the NHS across the whole of the UK. She is taking strike action against unjust pay and unsafe staffing levels.
We know that the public is supportive of our campaign for pay justice and we ask that they show their support for their health workers today and in the weeks to come.
The beginning of industrial action must serve as a reality check to those in charge of the health service. They now must deliver for the public and the workforce.”
All UNISON members across the entire health and social services system will today commence industrial action short of strike. Categories of staff taking this action will include nursing, ambulance service staff, support services staff, admin, clerical and managerial staff, social services and social care staff, professional and technical staff and all those staff working across the various health services agencies.
Today the following groups of UNISON members will take strike action:
- Support staff working at the Ulster Hospital (walkout at 11:45am for 12 noon picket)
- Staff working in sterile services at Antrim Area Hospital (walkout to picket at 8am)
- Staff working in sterile services at Belfast City Hospital (main picket at 12:30pm)