Press Release: NIPSA Wins Action on Travel Reimbursement

NIPSA has received confirmation from the Department of Health that it will agree to extend the rate of an additional 10p per mile over 3,500 miles and enter into negotiations on a Northern Ireland specific approach.
NIPSA congratulates its members who took industrial action in their dispute withdrawing the use of their vehicles for work related duties on 20 January while indicating further action in February and March.
This action has now secured the additional increase for up to a year while providing the negotiating platform to review the Travel Reimbursement elements of AfC in a Northern Ireland context.
This is a clear indication of the strength of feeling on the need to address mileage issues in the context of Northern Ireland pressures and again reinforces the power of workers who took part in NIPSA action on 20 January by withdrawing the use of their private vehicles for work related use.
Terry Thomas Assistant Secretary for Health stated:
“I congratulate and thank all those NIPSA members who demonstrated the commitment and resolve to carrying out successful industrial action on travel. 
While NIPSA was the only union to ballot members on mileage we acknowledge the support of our trade union colleagues and welcome this outcome which will benefit the most vulnerable employees who regularly suffer detriment while using their vehicles.
This is not an end to this issue but a beginning with commitment to review existing travel arrangements under Agenda for Change while examining their suitability within an integrated Health and Social Services within Northern Ireland specifically.”
Pádraig Mulholland, NIPSA Deputy General Secretary added:
“NIPSA will now formally advise Department of Health, HSC employers and members that the offer is accepted and planned action for the withdrawal of private vehicles on the 20 February and 20 March will be suspended to enable negotiations to progress.
Be aware, NIPSA remains in dispute and is currently engaged in industrial action on pay and safe staffing with indicated action short of strike continuing.
We have notified HSC employers of further industrial action including strike action on the 21 February in conjunction with our trade union colleagues across Health and Education”.
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.