UNISON’s consultation on the 3% pay rise for NHS staff in Cymru/Wales opens tomorrow, Wednesday 11 August. Eligible members will be sent a secure link to vote – and everyone is urged to have their say.
Health is devolved to Wales and there is frustration over the fact that the Welsh government has decided to impose the pay award without negotiation with the health unions.
UNISON Cymru/Wales believes that the pay rise is not only ‘short of the mark’, but further stretches the gap between the highest and lowest paid. Those who earn the most are getting over £3,000 out of the award – those on the lowest pay point are not even included.
Paul Summers, UNISON Cymru Wales lead officer for health, said: “It’s vital that we use this consultation to hear from members in every part of the Welsh NHS – every role, every workplace, every pay band.
“Branches are essential to making sure members know they have a powerful voice in UNISON and an important choice to make about how we go forward.
“The UNISON Cymru Wales health committee agreed to unanimously oppose the 3% pay imposition. Now we want to hear what every healthcare member thinks.”
Voting closes on 17 September.
And if someone is employed by the NHS but not yet a member of UNISON – they can have a vote too, if they join by Wednesday 8 September.
The Welsh consultation is one of a number of pay ballots involving UNISON members across service groups and regions.
