UNISON Cymru/Wales is today starting a month-long consultation process with members working for NHS Wales regarding a potential change to their terms and conditions.
The consultation will be followed by a month-long ballot, starting on 24 March, which will allow members to vote on whether they want to accept or reject the proposals.
UNISON has been in ongoing discussions with other health unions, the Welsh government and the NHS employers in order to address the current funding shortfall within NHS Wales.
Health boards have been told that they must make 4-5% savings every year for the next three years to meet the financial challenges, and the health minister has indicated that 1% must be met from the staffing budgets.
Proposals under consultation on include changes to sick pay, preceptorship arrangements, automatic incremental progression, workforce re-profiling and mileage rates.
UNISON Cymru/Wales head of health Dawn Bowden said: “This is the most important decision that the NHS workforce in Wales has taken since devolution.
“UNISON has taken a decision not to make a recommendation to our members about which way to vote, but has instead put together information packs to allow our members to make an informed choice.
“We understand that each member of the workforce may be affected differently by the proposals, and it is important for people to consider what the changes would mean for them, and then take a decision about whether they are prepared to accept those changes.
“UNISON has been heavily involved throughout this process and we know that, either way, this is not going to be an easy decision to take.
“We are urging members to read the materials we have prepared and to attend their workplace meetings to find out more. It is essential that our members are empowered to have their say to decide on a future that’s right for them.”
