UNISON HEALTH PAY CAMPAIGN MESSAGE TO MEMBERS.

Anne Speed, Head of Bargaining and Representation in UNISON leading a delegation of health trade unions delivered a strong message to the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris that Health workers in Northern Ireland need a pay rise, they need pay justice. 

The meeting was also attended by the Department of Health, where the Secretary of State was told that workers won't accept the removal of pay parity (restored in 2019) by default. 

He was also told that health workers will not wait until Stormont returns. 

He was reminded as Secretary of State that he has the authority to set a budget for Northern Ireland.

Setting this budget must include funding to deliver a decent pay offer for Health workers.

Assuming the pay offer in England will be funded by new money, the delegation asked for confirmation on Barnet consequentials for Northern Ireland.

Monies released must be ring fenced for health workers. The delegation warned that there should be no attempt to misuse funding to cover existing deficits in the current Health budget.

The delegation demanded to know when the budget can be expected, however, no clear date was identified.

The Secretary of State has agreed to an early return meeting with unions.

Trade Unions also stated that others with voice and mandate (local politicians) should get behind health workers in their fight for decent pay.

We reminded all present that workers cannot pay this year’s bills on last years money.  

The results of UNISON’s NHS pay ballot will be known at end of next week and delegates gathering at the whole union health conference will be informed of the outcome and will plan next steps

The Northern Ireland delegates at conference will be bringing a simple message.

WE WILL NOT BE LEFT BEHIND!

The UNISON Northern Ireland health committee confirmed at its meeting today that industrial action in the form of Action short of strike continues. The committee in Northern Ireland will reconvene after conference.