The results are in. Thousands of UNISON members have voted to take strike action and action short of strike. More than 90% of you who voted have voted yes to both questions.
The General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, Esther Lynch, has sent her solidarity to unions taking part in the 48 hour strick action on 21-22 September. Lynch said the strike "underscores the collective determination of these workers to secure fair wages, improved working conditions and a brighter future for themselves and their communities."
UNISON members across hundreds of schools are currently balloting on using industrial action in their dispute with the Education Authority.
Thousands of classroom assistants, school cooks, cleaners, transport and admin staff will cast their votes. While our members await the resolution of the UK wide NJC 2023 pay claim which contractually uplifts pay, the cost of living crisis has hit them hard.
UNISON members in the Health service in Northern Ireland will be taking to the picket lines next week.
On Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd of September during a period of 48 hours ambulance crews, nurses, health care assistants, pharmacists, radiographers, porters, admin and technical staff, cleaners and catering will be on strike. Payroll staff will strike for a shorter period to ensure their co-workers receive their pay on time - a decision highly commended by their union colleagues.
It is with deep regret that we have learned of the death of our esteemed member Edna Magill, former Branch Secretary Craigavon Health Branch and UNISON Regional Committee and Health Service group member.
We thank her for the significant contribution to our union and to the members she served with unwavering commitment. On behalf of UNISON Regional Committee and staff we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family.
Today in Armagh, trade union leaders representing working people in all professions and occupations met to discuss the ongoing squeeze faced by everyone in Northern Ireland compounded by inadequate and insulting pay offers and the financial decisions of the NI Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris MP.
Speaking after the meeting, ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said:
UNISON members have told us they are not prepared to be fobbed off and will vote in an industrial action ballot.
Our members in education have been landed in this disastrous situation because of the absence of an Assembly and no devolved government being in place. There is a reality that education services have been underfunded for years. A local Minister could at least begin steps to tackle the issue of low pay for education workers and bring in the badly needed pay and grading review that has been delayed for far too long.
UNISON’s Retired Members’ Forum, alongside members from across Northern Ireland, will gather for a demonstration at 12.30pm on Wednesday 16th August outside the Department for Infrastructure on Adelaide Street, Belfast.
UNISON Northern Ireland have joined with other health unions in sending a strong message to Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris demanding pay justice.
We said “Health staff in Northern Ireland are, of course, now fully aware that the 2023-2024 pay uplift has been implemented in England and Wales. They are expecting you to use your economic governance authority, as demonstrated in the recent budget allocation you implemented for the current financial year, to address and resolve their outstanding pay claim."
