Please see below a copy of the press bulletin that issued today in relation to the expected offer on pay for NHS members.
NIPSA, together with the other NI health trade unions, expect to receive a formal offer on pay from the Health Minister today.
In line with the democratic processes of the union, the offer will then be put out to the branches to consider and see if they will accept the deal. However, NIPSA remains concerned about other issues in the health service, in relation to safe staffing and mileage allowances, that formed part of NIPSA’s ballot for industrial action.
These issues, along with historic low pay, are part of the problem leading to recruitment and retention issues affecting the service and as yet, proper plans to address these are not in place.
NIPSA members will therefore continue to engage in action short of strike and further planning for strike action will continue.
NIPSA Deputy General Patrick Mulholland said “Our members in the health service will no doubt welcome progress on the pay issue, and it will be for them to consider any offer made from the minister and decide if they will accept.
However safe staffing levels, which affects not only service delivery and patient safety, but the working conditions of our members, remains a key concern. Pay is only part of the problem and ensuring there are sufficient numbers of trained staff available across all areas of the health service must also be a priority.
Mileage is also an issue and while the temporary increase to the mileage allowance was welcomed, our members in predominantly lower paid roles, continue to be out of pocket for doing essential business mileage and this situation also needs to be resolved.
Until then, our members will continue to engage in industrial action and take action short of strike, with planning for further strike action also being considered.
NIPSA remains committed to seeking a resolution to these issues and working with the minister and department to do so.”