Union Unite has launched a national petition to reverse the government’s stance on below-inflation pay awards for NHS staff.
The aim of the petition is to build up pressure so that the government reopens negotiations with the trade unions and professional associations over the “derisory” three-year pay deal.
The deal, imposed unilaterally by ministers, amounts to 7.99% over three years, when the Retail Prince Index for inflation hit 5% this month (August).
Unite is asking its health sector members, as well as the general public, to sign the petition, which its hopes to present to Downing Street later in the year.
The petition said that NHS staff deserve a “fair pay award” and that the present deal is “poor reward for staff who deliver vital healthcare services to patients, service users and local communities, and it will cause long-term damage to the morale of NHS staff”.
It states: “At a time when people are experiencing significant rises in living costs they cannot avoid, the government should urgently reopen pay negotiations with the trade unions – we say, ‘Cut NHS Pay – No Way!'”
Unite National Officer for Health, David Fleming said: “Our members feel very real anger at this slap-in-the face from government for all their dedicated work 365 days a year.
“They voted overwhelmingly against this derisory pay deal, as they can see the cost-of-living soaring and their household bills going thorough the roof on a daily basis.”
Unite
Would you sign this petition? Your comments: (Terms and conditions apply)
“Yes” – Sandra Rimell, Birmingham
