Scottish health workers need a Scottish solution on pensions, UNISON members told MSPs when they lobbied the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh this morning.
The lobby – as MSPs were considering regulations to increase pension contributions this year – coincided with a second round of industrial action aimed at getting ministers to talk to unions over the plans.
“We’re calling on MSPs to take a good look at NHS pensions and not to just blindly follow the UK government’s proposals,” said UNISON’s Scottish convenor Lilian Macer
“We have a separate scheme in Scotland and therefore we need to seek a Scottish solution. Taking money out of health workers’ pockets to give to the Treasury is not the answer.
“As the Scottish government has the responsibility to address these issues in Scotland, we’re calling upon Scottish ministers to delay the pensions tax and engage with us to find a negotiated settlement.”
Meanwhile, finance staff at Lanarkshire, Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde health boards walked out in the second round of selective strike action.
The three-day strike follows on from a successful two days of action by UNISON members at the Central Decontamination Unit in Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine, earlier this month.
Lunchtime demonstrations will also be taking place on the day at Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride; Wishaw General Hospital, and Kirklands Hospital, Bothwell.
“Our members don’t take strike action easily and this day of action is yet further testament to the anger and distress that is being felt among health workers,” commented UNISON Scotland health committee chair Tom Waterson.
“We’ve always believed public sector workers deserve decent pensions, and our members have shown they are willing to take action to defend these.”
Latest on the UNISON pensions campaign (UK wide)
Latest on the UNISON Scotland pensions campaign, including photos from today’s action