UNISON Northern Ireland

UNISON CALLS FOR RESOLUTION OF DISPUTE ON PAY PARITY

Today (7th January) UNISON has noted the statement from the Chief Executives of the HSC Trusts seeking that unions postpone industrial action scheduled for this week.

Commenting on this, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation, Anne Speed said:

“UNISON does not intend to postpone our industrial action scheduled for 10th January. Patient safety has been a primary consideration throughout our members’ industrial action and remains so. The crisis in our health service caused by over 7000 vacant posts and the absence of a strategic investment and planning on staffing is one of the two core reasons for this dispute.

Assessing patient safety is the responsibility of the Trusts. As has been the case throughout the conduct of this dispute, UNISON representatives are meeting with the Trusts and will continue to do so to address specific concerns around patient safety.

We would again call on the Trust Chief Executives to urge the Secretary of State and senior officials within the Northern Ireland Civil Service to act now in the public interest to restore pay parity and resolve this dispute.”