Nurses to be joined by other NHS health workers on picket lines in pay row
HOSPITAL porters, cleaners, health visitors and therapists could join nurses on NHS picket lines in a row over pay.
The Unite union will ballot its 100,000 NHS members and encourage them to strike in protest at ministers’ “miserable” pay rise offer.
Hospital porters, cleaners, health visitors and therapists could join nurses on NHS picket lines in a row over pay[/caption]It comes after the Royal College of Nursing this week urged its half-a-million members to do the same.
Unite also represents ambulance staff, health scientists, psychologists, audiologists, optometrists and admin and IT workers across England and Wales.
The union said it is outraged at a pay deal equal to around four per cent while inflation closes in on 12 per cent.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: “This offer is nothing other than a massive national pay cut for NHS staff.
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“After everything they have been through with the Covid pandemic and the service this workforce gives this country day in, day out, this is a kick in the teeth from the government and an insult to staff and patients alike.
“This ballot is a chance for our members to have their say, and whatever they decide, they will have the full backing of Unite.”