NIPSA, along with the other health trade unions, met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on Wednesday 5 April to discuss the ongoing health service pay dispute. A frank exchange of views took place on pay parity between England and Northern Ireland and staff retention difficulties.
The Secretary of State was pressed on the issue of a budget to address pay issues. He indicated that he was awaiting developments on a number of points.
- Conclusion of the consultative vote on the ‘English’ offer
- Subsequent Barnett consequentials (how much additional money is made available for the NI budget and how it will be dispersed)
- A Northern Ireland budget
Following discussion, it was agreed that a further meeting between the Secretary of State and the trade unions will take place in the near future.
NIPSA Health Panel Meeting
NIPSA Health Service Panel, which represents all NIPSA health service branches, met on Thursday 6th April to consider the outcome of the meeting with the Secretary of State. The meeting agreed to:
- Seek further discussions with other trade unions on further industrial action on pay.
- Prepare a campaign of industrial action on safe staffing
- Engage in negotiations on a Northern Ireland mileage rate
NIPSA remains committed to fighting for
- An inflation busting pay rise for all health service staff
- Safe staffing levels in all areas of the health services
- Appropriate mileage rates
Patient safety remains very important for health staff who will take industrial action. Discussions are ongoing to ensure the employers take the necessary steps to protect patients during the dispute.