UNISON MEMBERS BEGIN ‘ONE TEAM 2K’ CAMPAIGN FOR A PAY RISE FOR ALL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

On behalf of our members across the NHS in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, UNISON has now submitted a pay claim to the UK Government at Westminster calling for all workers on Agenda for Change to receive an increase of at least £2,000 before the end of the year. This is the equivalent of around £1 an hour for all staff. When we surveyed our members, over four fifths (84%) said that a £2,000 pay lift would make a ‘substantial difference’ to them.

The submission of the UNISON claim follows on from calls last month by 14 health trade unions for an early and significant pay increase.

UNISON members have delivered a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to put NHS pay at the top of his to-do list and bring forward plans for a meaningful and early rise. The letter references Boris Johnson’s own battle with Covid-19 – and his recovery thanks to the care he received from the NHS.

It says: “Health staff have heard how much your recent personal experiences taught you about the value of what they do.

“They are now looking for you to reflect that in their pay. So, Prime Minister, why wait?”

Whilst Boris Johnson and his Government were quick to join in with clapping for health and social care workers, they now need to respond quickly to your demand that the sacrifices you have made during Covid-19 be reflected in your pay.

In Northern Ireland, UNISON has written to the Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA, calling on him to support an early and significant pay rise. We are demanding that the UK Government make resources available to fund the pay award for all health and social care workers in Northern Ireland.

The One Team 2k campaign is calling for a pay rise for all health and social care workers as One Team. £2,000 for everyone is fair, reasonable, simple and could be implemented quickly. We will be demanding that all Northern Ireland MPs and MLAs support the campaign for an early and meaningful pay rise as the least they can do to recognise the dedication shown by all health and social care workers during Covid-19. An early pay rise is the morale boost workers need with the pandemic continuing and winter ahead.

For our One Team 2k campaign to be successful we will need public support and political pressure. But most importantly of all, we need all our UNISON members and activists to get involved and demand the pay rise they deserve.

Watch out for details of our TWO DAYS FOR 2K activities later this month and continue to follow our social media channels for updates.

#OneTeam2k