Mar 30 2007
UNISON is gearing up for industrial action after the 2.5% pay award to nurses and health professionals triggered widespread anger among members.
The Pay Review Body announced the award earlier this month, as inflation hit its highest point in a decade. The government then decided to pay the award in two stages in England and Wales, cutting its value even further. The Scottish Parliament has chosen to pay the award in full on 1 April.
UNISON's consultation with members has revealed outrage at Westminster's action.
"We are left with little choice but to start gearing up for action," said Karen Jennings, the union's head of health, following a meeting of the service group executive this week.
"The mood of our members in health is one of deep disappointment, frustration and anger," she said.
"The 2.5% award is effectively a pay cut. It falls very short of the rising cost of living, put at 4.6% by the Retail Price Index. But the staging of the award by the government is the final straw."
The union is also angry at the treatment of porters, cleaners, cooks, administrative staff and others who are not covered by the Pay Review Body, whose award is being dragged along in the wake of the nurses' offer.
Ms Jennings noted that UNISON would be readying itself for a ballot in the run-up to the next meeting of the Pay Negotiating Council, on 27 April.
"We will ask members whether they are prepared to take strike action, or action short of strike action in support of their claim for better pay."
http://www.unison.org.uk