Unite’s industrial action ballot opens today.
There are two questions on the ballot paper: for day(s) of strike action, and for industrial action short of strike action. Unite is, quite rightly, recommending a ‘Yes’ vote to both questions. If we can, we’ll be looking to take industrial action alongside other public sector unions.
We’ve had a ‘deal’ imposed by the Government - 2.75%, followed by a further two years of pay cuts. That’s after a pay cut last year. That’s an insult to health workers. We’re worth more than that.
We want a re-opening of negotiations, and a pay increase at least in line with inflation. Not so very unreasonable.
The outcome of this ballot matters. A ‘Yes’ vote builds our fight for fair pay, and creates the opportunities for united industrial action with other NHS unions next year. A ‘No’ vote is an open invitation to the Government to treat us with contempt.
This is a ballot we need to win.
