GMB Members In NHS England And Northern Ireland Vote To Support Strike Action – Wales ballot ongoing

A ballot of 22,000 GMB members in the NHS in England and Northern Ireland showed overwhelming support for industrial action.

The result was 78% in favour of strike action and 91% in favour of action short of a strike with a turnout of just 23%.

The pay offer is a 1% unconsolidated offer for 2014 for those who get it and a further 1% unconsolidated offer in 2015 for those who get it. 

GMB will now issue formal notices to NHS employers of strike action on 13 October and further action short of a strike the rest of that week.

UNISON Cymru/Wales, Wales’ largest health union, began balloting its 30,000 NHS members Yesterday-30th September for strike action in Wales, the ballot will run until 20th October.

The ballot is in response to the ongoing pay restraint experienced by NHS staff and the announcement to pay all staff a one-off, unconsolidated amount of £160 for this year.

The ballot will cover health workers including nurses, therapists, porters, paramedics, medical secretaries, cooks, cleaners and healthcare assistants.

Unison warns

“Unless a settlement is reached soon, a yes vote will lead to strike action and action short of strike action during the autumn and winter.”
 
The ballot follows the Welsh health minister’s announcement that he would not be implementing the NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendations but would instead make a one-off non-consolidated payment of £160 to all staff.