UNISON Northern Ireland

Press Release

Anne Speed UNISON lead negotiator for health unions in Northern Ireland expressed no surprise that the pay cap has been lifted by the Department of Finance.  The cap had already been breached in England Scotland and Wales as a result of a 3 year pay deal.

But health workers here are already in a pay deficit and in 4th place in the NHS pay bands and only offered a one year award.

There are proposals on the table from the Department of Health in response to our demand for an immediate minimum uplift of 3% and the living wage for the lowest paid.  We go to the bargaining table on Thursday next and will examine these proposals in detail.  However a one year deal won't bridge the gap in pay or restore parity.

That remains our goal and our mandate from union members. We are now asking what can we expect in year two and three.

We want and deserve funding for uplifts in pay.  Health workers in England, Scotland and Wales have achieved and secured agreements.  Why should we accept anything less?

 

For further information please contact:

Anne Speed, Head of Bargaining & Representation on 07904427133