Northern Ireland NHS staff and social workers back strike action, says UNISON

Health staff and social workers in Northern Ireland represented by UNISON have today (Monday) voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. The ballot concentrated on safe staffing levels and pay parity, as health workers in Northern Ireland are paid less than their colleagues in Britain. The absence of both has been a key factor in waiting lists and waiting times reaching crisis levels for patients across Northern Ireland, according to UNISON. UNISON Northern Ireland regional secretary Patricia McKeown said: “Health workers don’t take industrial action lightly but they’ve been pushed to the brink. “Responsibility for averting this situation lies with the Department of Health, the head of the Northern Ireland civil service and the Department of Finance. “They must access the funding necessary to resolve the pay problem and start addressing safe staffing levels as a matter of extreme urgency.” Notes to editors: – A total of 92 per cent of staff represented by UNISON who responded to the ballot voted for industrial action. – The first round of industrial action is expected before the end of this month. – Examples of the deficit (annual pay rates) Porters and cleaners England & Wales £17,652 Scotland               £18,383 Northern Ireland    £16,943 Health care assistant England & Wales £18,813 Scotland               £19,945 Northern Ireland    £17,406 Administrative worker (e.g. medical secretary) England & Wale...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release health Northern Ireland pay Source Type: news