Tag: Unison

Health: ‘The government treats us like April fools’ on pay

Business at health conference turned to pay on Tuesday morning.

First, conference discussed an emergency motion on NHS pay 2024-25. The motion pointed out that once again, the government has failed to conduct annual pay reviews in a timely fashion.

Moving the motion, James Anthony of the SGE said: “Like clockwork, in April, everything goes up. Bills council tax, everything. Except, like clockwork, NHS pay.

“Once again the government treats us like April fools.”

He highlighted that Band two members are now paid just one penny above the minimum wage: “A whacking 55p below the real living wage.”

The motion noted the health SGE’s decision to launch a pro-active formal consultation in England to gauge the strength of feeling of members.

James told delegates: “This consultation is the most important thing we’re going to do when we come back from conference – so let’s go back and talk about pay.”

Gillian Hobson from the North West region followed, telling delegates: “This year we need to send a clear message: let nothing go. Detriment is not on the table and we will not accept damage to any of our Ts & Cs.

“No more delays, a proper pay rise, proper rebanding, a shorter working week. Let nothing go.”

Once bitten twice shy – the fight for pay parity

Continuing on the theme of government inaction, conference heard that health workers in Northern Ireland have still not received the 2023 Agenda for Change pay award.

Stephanie Greenwood, moving a motion on the fight for pay parity for Northern Ireland region, asked her NI regional colleagues to stand from their seats in the hall.

Referencing the continued strike action across Northern Ireland health over the last year, she said: “These are some of the individuals who led thousands of colleagues out of their workplaces day after day in bitter conditions. Look them in the eye and support them.”

She warned delegates, “Never again leave anyone behind,” asking conference to vote to ensure that, in future pay rounds, this scenario will not be repeated and that parity for Northern Ireland is built into future negotiations.

The NHS must become a Real Living Wage Employer

The final motion of the morning saw conference call for the NHS to become a real living wage employer.

Maria Demitri moved the motion for North West Anglia Hospitals. She said: “The NHS in England employs 1.7m people, it is one of the worlds biggest employers.”

The motion read that more and more low paid staff in the NHS are earning a wage that is less than the Real Living Wage of £12.00 an hour. Ms Demitri also noted that many of those employees are paid only a penny more than the minimum wage, if they are on band 2.

She said: “Many of these workers increasingly leaving the NHS because they can earn more elsewhere.”

She argued it used to be difficult to get a job in many jobs in the NHS, from healthcare assistant, administrator, porter to catering assistant. But, because of chronic low pay there are now thousands of vacancies in these roles across the NHS as workers search elsewhere for higher paid jobs in supermarkets and call centres.

The article Health: ‘The government treats us like April fools’ on pay first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Health: ‘The government treats us like April fools’ on pay

Business at health conference turned to pay on Tuesday morning.

First, conference discussed an emergency motion on NHS pay 2024-25. The motion pointed out that once again, the government has failed to conduct annual pay reviews in a timely fashion.

Moving the motion, James Anthony of the SGE said: “Like clockwork, in April, everything goes up. Bills council tax, everything. Except, like clockwork, NHS pay.

“Once again the government treats us like April fools.”

He highlighted that Band two members are now paid just one penny above the minimum wage: “A whacking 55p below the real living wage.”

The motion noted the health SGE’s decision to launch a pro-active formal consultation in England to gauge the strength of feeling of members.

James told delegates: “This consultation is the most important thing we’re going to do when we come back from conference – so let’s go back and talk about pay.”

Gillian Hobson from the North West region followed, telling delegates: “This year we need to send a clear message: let nothing go. Detriment is not on the table and we will not accept damage to any of our Ts & Cs.

“No more delays, a proper pay rise, proper rebanding, a shorter working week. Let nothing go.”

Once bitten twice shy – the fight for pay parity

Continuing on the theme of government inaction, conference heard that health workers in Northern Ireland have still not received the 2023 Agenda for Change pay award.

Stephanie Greenwood, moving a motion on the fight for pay parity for Northern Ireland region, asked her NI regional colleagues to stand from their seats in the hall.

Referencing the continued strike action across Northern Ireland health over the last year, she said: “These are some of the individuals who led thousands of colleagues out of their workplaces day after day in bitter conditions. Look them in the eye and support them.”

She warned delegates, “Never again leave anyone behind,” asking conference to vote to ensure that, in future pay rounds, this scenario will not be repeated and that parity for Northern Ireland is built into future negotiations.

The NHS must become a Real Living Wage Employer

The final motion of the morning saw conference call for the NHS to become a real living wage employer.

Maria Demitri moved the motion for North West Anglia Hospitals. She said: “The NHS in England employs 1.7m people, it is one of the worlds biggest employers.”

The motion read that more and more low paid staff in the NHS are earning a wage that is less than the Real Living Wage of £12.00 an hour. Ms Demitri also noted that many of those employees are paid only a penny more than the minimum wage, if they are on band 2.

She said: “Many of these workers increasingly leaving the NHS because they can earn more elsewhere.”

She argued it used to be difficult to get a job in many jobs in the NHS, from healthcare assistant, administrator, porter to catering assistant. But, because of chronic low pay there are now thousands of vacancies in these roles across the NHS as workers search elsewhere for higher paid jobs in supermarkets and call centres.

The article Health: ‘The government treats us like April fools’ on pay first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Health workers deserve better than this government

Speaking to delegates gathered at UNISON’s annual health conference in Brighton today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The government’s promised but not delivered on the NHS. Its legacy will be crumbling hospital estates, outdated equipment, appalling waiting lists and NHS staff at their wits’ ends.

“Investment’s been drained for 14 years, capacity’s tumbling and workforce stress is ratcheting up.

“It’s no small wonder three in ten NHS workers had to take time off for mental health issues in the past year.

“The pressures on healthcare staff are immense. They’re caring for more patients, with fewer colleagues and with much less time.

“To make matters worse, some NHS staff have been shown pornography and even offered money for sex while at work.

“Health workers have had to put up with degrading comments, and some have experienced sexual assault.

“No one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour and certainly not in their place of work. Employers must take this issue much more seriously.

“NHS staff deserve a proper pay rise, one that’s above inflation and tackles low wages. They should also be on the right salary band and able to work a shorter working week without loss of pay.

“The government’s learnt no lessons. This year’s wage rise is again overdue. Ministers have let staff down repeatedly.

“This lot should have left power long ago. This must be the year they’re shown the door. There must be an end to the failure, the chaos and the scandal.

“Much has been achieved in the past year. Forty-two rebanding deals across England and Scotland. Healthcare assistants have so far won £70m in back pay.

“There’s been a huge strike in Northern Ireland, one that forced politicians back to the Assembly to sort out public sector pay.

“Healthcare assistants in North and South Tees are on strike today. And later this week support staff will walk out in Leicestershire.

“A national care service is a must. Until the crisis in social care is fixed, the broken NHS can’t be put back together.

“Older people who need care have spent their lives working and contributing to this country.

“The least they can expect is decent care for the final part of their lives. The workforce entrusted to look after them should be given decent pay for the skilled work they do.”

Notes to editors:
-UNISON’s annual health conference continues until tomorrow (Wednesday 10 April) at the Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR. Health workers from across the UK have been in attendance to debate a variety of motions including NHS pay, mileage rates, bank staff, shorter working weeks, support for healthcare students, tackling racism, mental health, sexual safety, healthcare assistant rebanding, artificial intelligence and safe staffing.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Health workers deserve better than this government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Health workers deserve better than this government

Speaking to delegates gathered at UNISON’s annual health conference in Brighton today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The government’s promised but not delivered on the NHS. Its legacy will be crumbling hospital estates, outdated equipment, appalling waiting lists and NHS staff at their wits’ ends.

“Investment’s been drained for 14 years, capacity’s tumbling and workforce stress is ratcheting up.

“It’s no small wonder three in ten NHS workers had to take time off for mental health issues in the past year.

“The pressures on healthcare staff are immense. They’re caring for more patients, with fewer colleagues and with much less time.

“To make matters worse, some NHS staff have been shown pornography and even offered money for sex while at work.

“Health workers have had to put up with degrading comments, and some have experienced sexual assault.

“No one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour and certainly not in their place of work. Employers must take this issue much more seriously.

“NHS staff deserve a proper pay rise, one that’s above inflation and tackles low wages. They should also be on the right salary band and able to work a shorter working week without loss of pay.

“The government’s learnt no lessons. This year’s wage rise is again overdue. Ministers have let staff down repeatedly.

“This lot should have left power long ago. This must be the year they’re shown the door. There must be an end to the failure, the chaos and the scandal.

“Much has been achieved in the past year. Forty-two rebanding deals across England and Scotland. Healthcare assistants have so far won £70m in back pay.

“There’s been a huge strike in Northern Ireland, one that forced politicians back to the Assembly to sort out public sector pay.

“Healthcare assistants in North and South Tees are on strike today. And later this week support staff will walk out in Leicestershire.

“A national care service is a must. Until the crisis in social care is fixed, the broken NHS can’t be put back together.

“Older people who need care have spent their lives working and contributing to this country.

“The least they can expect is decent care for the final part of their lives. The workforce entrusted to look after them should be given decent pay for the skilled work they do.”

Notes to editors:
-UNISON’s annual health conference continues until tomorrow (Wednesday 10 April) at the Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR. Health workers from across the UK have been in attendance to debate a variety of motions including NHS pay, mileage rates, bank staff, shorter working weeks, support for healthcare students, tackling racism, mental health, sexual safety, healthcare assistant rebanding, artificial intelligence and safe staffing.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Health workers deserve better than this government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: Every day, UNISON is fighting for our NHS

Christina McAnea with Wilma Brown, chair of UNISON’s health service group executive

I’ve just delivered my speech to UNISON’s health members at their annual gathering in Brighton. I spoke about the immense pressures on NHS staff – caring for more patients, with fewer staff, in less time. But I also spoke about the support UNISON gives them to find their voice and help drive through the campaigns that matter most to them.

It’s always important for me to remind our members that UNISON is standing by them, backing them up and fighting their corner. That’s needed more than ever right now, because health workers are having to take time off for mental health issues and many are walking out completely for better paid and less stressful jobs at supermarkets down the road.

What has struck me most about this year’s health conference, is the number of contributions from tearful health workers, detailing the struggle they have with getting by day to day. Juggling caring responsibilities with tough jobs, on low pay, with little respite. To top it off, they’re facing abuse and sexual harassment at work, and they don’t feel safe enough to report it.

This is what neglecting our NHS looks like. It affects every part of the service and the workforce. After 14 years of Tory failure, it’s UNISON’s mission to defend the NHS from being driven into complete rack and ruin.

Every day, UNISON is fighting for our NHS and for the decent pay that staff deserve. Our re-banding campaigns continue across almost every region, and our agenda for change pay consultation is now live. The Tory government in Westminster has learnt no lessons from the past. The NHS pay increase is overdue again, and so is the Tories time to leave power.

During the general election campaign, I hope the public won’t be tricked by the Tories. They must be stopped from doing any more damage to our NHS. Staff working so hard to keep services going deserve so much better. Patients languishing on dangerous waiting lists expect better, and together we can all demand better.

The article Opinion: Every day, UNISON is fighting for our NHS first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: This is what neglecting our NHS looks like

I’ve just delivered my speech to UNISON’s health members at their annual gathering in Brighton. I spoke about the immense pressures on NHS staff – caring for more patients, with fewer staff, in less time. But I also spoke about the support UNISON gives them to find their voice and help drive through the campaigns that matter most to them.

It’s always important for me to remind our members that UNISON is standing by them, backing them up and fighting their corner. That’s needed more than ever right now, because health workers are having to take time off for mental health issues and many are walking out completely for better paid and less stressful jobs at supermarkets down the road.

What has struck me most about this year’s health conference, is the number of contributions from tearful health workers, detailing the struggle they have with getting by day to day. Juggling caring responsibilities with tough jobs, on low pay, with little respite. To top it off, they’re facing abuse and sexual harassment at work, and they don’t feel safe enough to report it.

This is what neglecting our NHS looks like. It affects every part of the service and the workforce. After 14 years of Tory failure, it’s UNISON’s mission to defend the NHS from being driven into complete rack and ruin.

Every day, UNISON is fighting for our NHS and for the decent pay that staff deserve. Our re-banding campaigns continue across almost every region, and our agenda for change pay consultation is now live. The Tory government in Westminster has learnt no lessons from the past. The NHS pay increase is overdue again, and so is the Tories time to leave power.

During the general election campaign, I hope the public won’t be tricked by the Tories. They must be stopped from doing any more damage to our NHS. Staff working so hard to keep services going deserve so much better. Patients languishing on dangerous waiting lists expect better, and together we can all demand better.

The article Blog: This is what neglecting our NHS looks like first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Christina McAnea leads applause for successful UNISON strikers

There’s power in the union – particularly if that union is UNISON. That was the message at the heart of a speech this morning from general secretary Christina McAnea to UNISON’s national health service group conference in Brighton.

“Look at all you’ve achieved in the past 12 months”, she told delegates.

“Forty-two re-banding deals done across England and Scotland in our Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign. £70 million in back pay – and rising.

“A huge strike in Northern Ireland that forced politicians back into the Northern Ireland Assembly to sort out public sector pay – that’s the power of UNISON.”

Ms McAnea added that the union had live disputes in the South East, Eastern, East Midlands, Northern, North West, South West and London regions, together with live campaigns in Yorkshire and Humberside, West Midlands and Cymru/Wales.

“Our demands and action get results. We are transforming lives … That’s the power of UNISON.”

The big election year

“The Tories can go into the general election with a proud record to stand on. Forty brand new hospitals, a valued and appreciated workforce, NHS pay rises beyond your wildest dreams,” the general secretary quipped, to laughter from delegates.

More seriously, Ms McAnea stressed the need to get the Conservatives out of government and for Labour to replace them.

“While the Tories break promises and let down our most vulnerable in our society, UNISON says we can do better.”

Pointing out that UNISON has been campaigning for a National Social Care service, she said: “Until we fix the crisis in social care, we cannot fix our broken NHS.

“And when a National Care Service has been created – and I do believe it will be – we can look back together and say, ‘we did that – we were part of that’.

And Ms McAnea stressed that the workforce of the NHS – and of a future National Care Service – “should be given decent pay for a day’s work”.

There are also elections taking place in UNISON. Ballots for the service group elections open on 22 April and Ms McAnea urged delegates not only to vote themselves, but to return to their workplaces and persuade their fellow members to vote too.

Celebrating the power of the union

Health conference giving a standing ovation to representatives of successful UNISON strikes, plus a live relay of a picket line in Middlesbrough

After a standing ovation, the union’s acting head of health, Helga Pile, introduced representatives of successful strikes in health from across the union as they came to the front of the hall to join Ms McAnea. They were joined live online from a picket line at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, as conference rose to applaud and celebrate the power of UNISON.

The article Christina McAnea leads applause for successful UNISON strikers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Christina McAnea leads applause for successful UNISON strikers

There’s power in the union – particularly if that union is UNISON. That was the message at the heart of a speech this morning from general secretary Christina McAnea to UNISON’s national health service group conference in Brighton.

“Look at all you’ve achieved in the past 12 months”, she told delegates.

“Forty-two re-banding deals done across England and Scotland in our Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign. £70 million in back pay – and rising.

“A huge strike in Northern Ireland that forced politicians back into the Northern Ireland Assembly to sort out public sector pay – that’s the power of UNISON.”

Ms McAnea added that the union had live disputes in the South East, Eastern, East Midlands, Northern, North West, South West and London regions, together with live campaigns in Yorkshire and Humberside, West Midlands and Cymru/Wales.

“Our demands and action get results. We are transforming lives … That’s the power of UNISON.”

The big election year

“The Tories can go into the general election with a proud record to stand on. Forty brand new hospitals, a valued and appreciated workforce, NHS pay rises beyond your wildest dreams,” the general secretary quipped, to laughter from delegates.

More seriously, Ms McAnea stressed the need to get the Conservatives out of government and for Labour to replace them.

“While the Tories break promises and let down our most vulnerable in our society, UNISON says we can do better.”

Pointing out that UNISON has been campaigning for a National Social Care service, she said: “Until we fix the crisis in social care, we cannot fix our broken NHS.

“And when a National Care Service has been created – and I do believe it will be – we can look back together and say, ‘we did that – we were part of that’.

And Ms McAnea stressed that the workforce of the NHS – and of a future National Care Service – “should be given decent pay for a day’s work”.

There are also elections taking place in UNISON. Ballots for the service group elections open on 22 April and Ms McAnea urged delegates not only to vote themselves, but to return to their workplaces and persuade their fellow members to vote too.

Celebrating the power of the union

Health conference giving a standing ovation to representatives of successful UNISON strikes, plus a live relay of a picket line in Middlesbrough

After a standing ovation, the union’s acting head of health, Helga Pile, introduced representatives of successful strikes in health from across the union as they came to the front of the hall to join Ms McAnea. They were joined live online from a picket line at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, as conference rose to applaud and celebrate the power of UNISON.

The article Christina McAnea leads applause for successful UNISON strikers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Conference stands with Palestinian health workers

Health conference reopened in Brighton yesterday afternoon with a speech from campaigns and advocacy advisor for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Richard Pyle (pictured, below).

Detailing the harrowing situation on the ground in Gaza, he opened saying: “2024 marks 40 years since the founding of MAP – we had hoped to celebrate the organisation’s achievements.”

Instead, the organisation is responding to one of the gravest situations Palestinians have ever faced.

He told delegates that over 33,000 Palestinians had died in the conflict with over 75,000 injured, asking: “What do we say when the number of children killed in Gaza is higher than the number of children killed in wars around the world over the last four years?

“The fact is, there are no words, and even if there were, the people of Gaza don’t need words, they need action.”

He went on to warn that without the urgent opening of more aid routes, and the co-operation of those controlling the flow of aid into the country, the situation would become much worse.

Mr Pyle said: “One in six children under the age of 2 in the north [of Gaza] is now acutely malnourished. This is the fastest decline in a population’s nourishment ever recorded. In other words, Gaza’s children are being starved faster than ever seen anywhere in the world.

“The official assessment tells us that this famine will probably move from the north to the south of Gaza by summer unless action is taken now, not just to get aid in but to stop the violence that prevents that aid being distributed.

“People in Gaza are starving, they need 500 trucks of aid a day, at least.”

He went on to detail several horrifying instances of MAP colleagues and their families who have been injured and killed during the conflict, saying: “Last week’s attack is just the latest evidence of why we cannot mount a proper humanitarian response that will save lives until there is a ceasefire.”

Mr Pyle continued that, not only were aid workers risking their lives, but health workers in Gaza were severely at risk: “484 healthcare workers have been killed, this is more than the total number of healthcare worker deaths recorded across all countries in conflict across 2021 and 2022.”

He concluded his speech by thanking UNISON for the continued support, saying: “This is the biggest humanitarian response in MAP’s history. Thanks to the extraordinary groundswell of support from people in 160 countries across the world, we’ve been able to deliver millions of dollars of medical supplies, hygiene kits, dignity kits and warm clothes.

“I would like to say a special thank you to UNISON. Branches up and down the country have donated over £30,000 to MAP over the last few months and we are so grateful for your generosity and solidarity, your voice and your activism, it makes such a difference.”

Richard Pyle speaking to conference

Following the speech, Wilma Brown, chair of the health SGE, reaffirmed UNISON’s commitment to a ceasefire saying: “We urge them [the UK government], again, to suspend the arms trade and the UK Israel trade agreement until there is a ceasefire, full access to humanitarian aid and human rights are respected.

“UNISON was one of the first unions to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire which remains the only hope for the people of Gaza and we will continue to demand a ceasefire now until the guns and bombs fall silent.

“We have repeatedly condemned the appalling attack by Hamas which claimed the lives of over 100 civilians and continue to call for the immediate and safe release of those who have been taken hostage.

“We condemn the appalling antisemitism and islamophobia and have stood in recent months against those who seek to divide our communities. We demand an end to the occupation and the blockade and an internationally supported political solution that leads to peace, justice, and a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.”

After the speech and statement conference stood in solidarity with hospital and health workers in Palestine (pictured, top).

The article Conference stands with Palestinian health workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Conference stands with Palestinian health workers

Health conference reopened in Brighton yesterday afternoon with a speech from campaigns and advocacy advisor for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), Richard Pyle (pictured, below).

Detailing the harrowing situation on the ground in Gaza, he opened saying: “2024 marks 40 years since the founding of MAP – we had hoped to celebrate the organisation’s achievements.”

Instead, the organisation is responding to one of the gravest situations Palestinians have ever faced.

He told delegates that over 33,000 Palestinians had died in the conflict with over 75,000 injured, asking: “What do we say when the number of children killed in Gaza is higher than the number of children killed in wars around the world over the last four years?

“The fact is, there are no words, and even if there were, the people of Gaza don’t need words, they need action.”

He went on to warn that without the urgent opening of more aid routes, and the co-operation of those controlling the flow of aid into the country, the situation would become much worse.

Mr Pyle said: “One in six children under the age of 2 in the north [of Gaza] is now acutely malnourished. This is the fastest decline in a population’s nourishment ever recorded. In other words, Gaza’s children are being starved faster than ever seen anywhere in the world.

“The official assessment tells us that this famine will probably move from the north to the south of Gaza by summer unless action is taken now, not just to get aid in but to stop the violence that prevents that aid being distributed.

“People in Gaza are starving, they need 500 trucks of aid a day, at least.”

He went on to detail several horrifying instances of MAP colleagues and their families who have been injured and killed during the conflict, saying: “Last week’s attack is just the latest evidence of why we cannot mount a proper humanitarian response that will save lives until there is a ceasefire.”

Mr Pyle continued that, not only were aid workers risking their lives, but health workers in Gaza were severely at risk: “484 healthcare workers have been killed, this is more than the total number of healthcare worker deaths recorded across all countries in conflict across 2021 and 2022.”

He concluded his speech by thanking UNISON for the continued support, saying: “This is the biggest humanitarian response in MAP’s history. Thanks to the extraordinary groundswell of support from people in 160 countries across the world, we’ve been able to deliver millions of dollars of medical supplies, hygiene kits, dignity kits and warm clothes.

“I would like to say a special thank you to UNISON. Branches up and down the country have donated over £30,000 to MAP over the last few months and we are so grateful for your generosity and solidarity, your voice and your activism, it makes such a difference.”

Richard Pyle speaking to conference

Following the speech, Wilma Brown, chair of the health SGE, reaffirmed UNISON’s commitment to a ceasefire saying: “We urge them [the UK government], again, to suspend the arms trade and the UK Israel trade agreement until there is a ceasefire, full access to humanitarian aid and human rights are respected.

“UNISON was one of the first unions to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire which remains the only hope for the people of Gaza and we will continue to demand a ceasefire now until the guns and bombs fall silent.

“We have repeatedly condemned the appalling attack by Hamas which claimed the lives of over 100 civilians and continue to call for the immediate and safe release of those who have been taken hostage.

“We condemn the appalling antisemitism and islamophobia and have stood in recent months against those who seek to divide our communities. We demand an end to the occupation and the blockade and an internationally supported political solution that leads to peace, justice, and a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.”

After the speech and statement conference stood in solidarity with hospital and health workers in Palestine (pictured, top).

The article Conference stands with Palestinian health workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.