The NIPSA Industrial Action ballot of Health Service members opens today, 27 October and closes 18 November 2022. NIPSA is urging all members to have their say in regards to Pay, Unsafe Staffing Levels and Travel Reimbursement rates all of which have been subject to historical under investment.
The ballot is seeking majority support for actions including strike and action short of strike action.
The failure of Government and the Pay Review Body to deliver realistic Pay rise’s for Members in Health continues to leave them feeling underpaid, undervalued and unsupported. Aligned to this the unprecedented Recruitment and Retention issues continue to give rise to ongoing Safe Staffing Concerns for Members and the public.
The impact of Rising Inflation and the current cost of living crisis including excessive fuel costs cannot be ignored alongside the many who choose to leave a service clearly in Crisis.
NIPSA Official Terry Thomas stated:
“It is time for NIPSA Members to have their say, vote YES for Strike Action and YES for Action Short of Strike and help NIPSA send a clear message to Employers and Government that we demand more, enough is enough. Workers have paid the Price for years of Government mismanagement and austerity by subsidising budgets with below inflation Pay rises and under investment over many years.
The compassion, professionalism and dedication of public servants who delivered during the Pandemic cannot be ignored or undervalued. Risks associated with Unsafe Staffing Levels are not acceptable for Patients, Communities and Staff. NIPSA demands more for our Staff and Services and will use the Ballot to hold to account those that have caused the crisis and seek to redress the years of historical under investment and Pay Cuts”.
If you are not in receipt of a ballot paper by Friday 4 November, please contact NIPSA membership by phone on 028 9066 1831.