HEALTH WORKERS IN NI DEMANDING PAY JUSTICE WILL PUSH BACK
HEALTH WORKERS IN NI DEMANDING PAY JUSTICE WILL PUSH BACK
In response to the budget for Northern Ireland announcement, UNISON has warned that health workers will not be used as political leverage in the ongoing efforts to restore the Assembly and Executive.
"It is unconscionable that health staff in need of pay justice and protection against inflation can be used in this way", declared Anne Speed, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation in Northern Ireland.
"It has been said that this is not a punishment budget, but the fact is if Barnett consequentials are withheld in the coming weeks and months punishment is exactly what it will be. While we await the final results of ballots in England, which will either endorse the existing NHS pay offer or point to a continuation of that battle, our members will be fully involved in efforts to resolve this dispute.
"Either way there is trouble ahead. This is the time when political leadership from those with a mandate is needed. Do they really want Northern Ireland to be cast not only as a political failure but an economic one too?
Our full team of health reps will be meeting on May 10th to take stock of developments and to prepare our messages along with other health trade unions for the Secretary of State whom we will meet on May 17th.
In the meantime, our members ' ongoing industrial action and action short of strike, is having a significant effect across the whole health service."
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