UNISON Northern Ireland Ambulance Service update to members
NIAS UNISON Branch has released an update to its members on Agenda for Change.
"Firstly. our apologies for the delay in issuing this communique. This was due to a request from NIAS that we wait for correspondence from them, prior to issuing any information.
The said correspondence was due on 19th July but did not materialize. In good faith, UNISON has waited until we received the attached document at 16.41 on the 24th of July.
As per our previous communiqué, the meeting with the CEO took place on 18th July 2019. Present at the meeting were senior representatives of all four recognized trade unions, the CEO and an Assistant Director of HR. who is currently on secondment to the Department of Health (DOH).
The meeting was opened by the CEO. He stated that it was the genuine desire and intention of NIAS to see Paramedics and RRV Paramedics move to Agenda for Change Band 6 and EMTs to Band 5
The Assistant Director then briefed those present on the discussions that had taken place at the DOH.
The Permanent Secretary has given authority to enter into preliminary discussions/dialogue. He has confirmed that he can take decisions in the absence of a Health Minister.
The Assistant Director then highlighted the following potential package.
• Introduction of a Band 6 role for Paramedics based on a new Job Description (JD) and a new Scope of Practice (SOP). with an option for Paramedics not wishing to move to the new Band 6 rule to remain in a Band 5 Paramedic role.
• Introduction of a Band 5 role for EMTs based on a new JD and SOP. with an option for EMTs not wishing to move to the new Band 5 role to remain in a Band 4 EMT role.
• Establish a process to move Newly Qualified Paramedics to the full Paramedic Band 6 role.
• Complete closure to the 2004 Agenda for Change Process.
• Review Partnership working within NIAS.
• The package MUST be accepted as a whole, not as an individual proposal
As you will accept UNISON had serious misgivings in relation to this. As you are aware the 2004 process currently remains outstanding, as does the issue of related pay arrears.
To simply agree to close the 2004 process without consulting with our members or agreeing an effective implementation date for any new package would not be appropriate.
We therefore requested that NIAS revisit this situation and revert back to us with some clarity on these issues.
NIAS was very clear that this was not an offer or proposal but preliminary discussions/dialogue about what they hope to be fast-moving changes to the current situation.
What this means for our members:
• UNISON welcomes the genuine desire and intention to move our Paramedics and EMTs to Bands 6 & 5 respectfully.
• UNISON has not agreed to this package. at this juncture and intends to challenge the proposal
•UNISON is keen to enter Into meaningful discussions and dialogue in regard to the current situation.
•UNISON does not agree that the 'effective dates' in this proposal are appropriate.
•UNISON accepts that management has moved in relation to their position on 18th July 2019 but do not agree that they have moved sufficiently that we can recommend closing the 2004 process or therefore acceptance of the proposal at this time.
•UNISON is disappointed that management has moved from preliminary discussions/dialogue to a final position within four working days. without any further consultation or negotiation.
•UNISON will request that NIAS provide us with figures regarding the financial implications contained within the proposal.
As this proposal would have varying levels of impact upon different members and groups of members and we are a member-led trade union we intend to ballot our members on this proposal and be guided by the outcome of this ballot on how to progress from this point
We appreciate that there are many rumours circulating at present. This document is intended to inform our members of the facts as they are presented to, and understood by, us at this present time. We will continue to update our members as appropriate."