NHS staff on the Isle of Wight have until Friday to have their say on the future of their pay in a consultation being run by the UK’s largest trade union, UNISON.
The Island’s NHS staff are part of 300,000 UNISON members – including nurses, paramedics, porters, cleaners, administrators, operating department practitioners, caterers – who are being asked for their views via an online ballot (accessed via www.nhspay.org) running until 10th September.
Accept or reject 3 per cent pay rise
The ballot of eligible UNISON members across England opened in July. NHS workers in a variety of settings, including St Mary’s Hospital, have been asked whether they wish to accept or reject the government’s intended 3 per cent pay rise.
If they oppose the offer, this could lead to a formal ballot over industrial action.
Across-the-board £2,000 pay increase
UNISON has called for an across-the-board £2,000 pay increase for all NHS staff. The government’s 3 per cent increase means the lowest earners will get a rise which is just one sixth of those at the top of the NHS pay scales. The only staff who do get a £2,000 rise with this award are those already earning more than £70,000 annually, says UNISON.
UNISON Isle of Wight Health branch officer Steve Trasler said,
“The government’s award of 3% to NHS staff is insulting to low paid NHS workers who have worked tirelessly and made so many sacrifices during the pandemic.
“NHS staff have until September 10 to have their say on pay. I encourage every member not to waste this chance to fight for the decent pay rise that we all deserve.”
UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said,
“All health staff deserve equal recognition for their contribution to the NHS and their efforts during the pandemic. But the pay review body’s 3% recommendation means thousands still won’t be on the real living wage.
“Missing the living wage target by 1.5p per hour shows the government ignored the lowest paid, for all the Prime Minister’s talk of levelling up.
“It’s vital staff give their views. Ministers won’t wait to hear what health workers think before they begin paying the new rates.
“With this pay review process, it isn’t enough just to register disapproval. If staff want to challenge this outcome, they need to take part in this consultation and show there’s widespread support for industrial action.”
News shared by Kieran Pearson on behalf of Unison. Ed
Image: Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona under CC BY 2.0
